The Bali Provincial Government has set aside a temporary budget of IDR 5 trillion to improve road infrastructure and tackle traffic congestion across the island.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced this initiative on his first day of work while serving as the inspector at the 237th Anniversary of Denpasar City in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday.
“Not just Denpasar, but all of Bali. The total temporary budget is IDR 5 trillion, with a priority focus on Denpasar and Badung,” Koster said, as quoted by ANTARA.
Governor Koster, who has just begun his second term, explained that the funds will be sourced through collaboration between three local governments. In addition to road construction, the Bali Provincial Government also plans to build a parking facility in Sanur and improve access routes to Sanur Harbor.
“Infrastructure improvements in Denpasar and Badung will start in 2026 through the collaboration of the Bali APBD, Badung APBD, and hopefully Denpasar as well,” he stated.
He emphasized that the goal is not just to expand road capacity but also to improve infrastructure quality, ensuring better connectivity between districts in Bali.
New Underpasses and Parking Facilities
As part of the initiative, several key congestion points in Denpasar will be addressed, including new underpasses at Jalan Ahmad Yani, Jalan Tohpati, and a new connection between Jalan Akasia and the Padanggalak Intersection.
Additionally, a parking facility will be built in Sanur, along with a shuttle service from the Sanur Beach parking area to Sanur Harbor to prevent heavy traffic.
“The construction of the Sanur parking building and the shuttle road from the Sanur Beach parking lot to Sanur Harbor will ensure there is no more total traffic congestion,” Koster added.
Restarting Trans Metro Dewata Public Transport
Governor Koster also prioritized the revival of Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) public transportation, which had stopped operating on January 1, 2025, due to funding constraints.
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“Priority will be given to restarting it with the revised APBD,” Koster confirmed on the sidelines of the Denpasar anniversary event.
Trans Metro Dewata, which operated for over four years with APBN funds, ceased operations, leading to widespread public demand for its revival.
Governor Koster assured that the Bali Provincial Government will restore Trans Metro Dewata’s operations through budgeting in the 2025 APBD Amendment, in collaboration with district and city governments along the bus route.
“I will meet with the Mayor of Denpasar, as well as the Regents of Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. It will be activated again,” he told ANTARA.
During his speech at the anniversary event, Koster reaffirmed that Trans Metro Dewata is a key part of his vision for improving land, sea, and air infrastructure, as well as transportation across Bali.
Cover: Photo by Evgenia Basyrova/Pexels
