Bali’s famed beauty is often shadowed by its notorious traffic. In a decisive move, the island’s leadership is accelerating a portfolio of critical infrastructure projects aimed at preserving its vitality for residents and visitors alike.
For years, the postcard-perfect image of Bali has been punctuated by a less idyllic reality: chronic traffic congestion. The gridlock, a frequent subject of social media ire and visitor frustration, is more than an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to the island’s sustainable future.
Recognizing this, Bali’s Governor, I Wayan Koster, has detailed a synchronized infrastructure offensive, a collaborative effort between the Provincial Government and Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), designed to untangle the island’s most critical arteries.
The strategy moves beyond mere road widening, targeting specific, high-impact bottlenecks that choke mobility from the mainland to the offshore islands.
“Traffic congestion is a serious threat to Bali as a global destination,” stated Governor Koster, emphasizing his direct appeals to the central government for support. “This is collaborative work, a synergy between central and local government for Bali’s future development.”
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Decongestion
The plan is comprehensive, addressing both immediate pain points and long-term connectivity:
- The Jimbaran Underpass: A crucial solution for South Badung’s gridlock, this project has received ministerial approval with an estimated budget of IDR 350 billion. Currently in its final design and feasibility phase, tender preparations are slated for April, with physical construction targeted to begin by mid-2026.
- Batur Temple Parking Complex: To address congestion around one of Bali’s most important sacred sites, a dedicated multi-story parking facility will be built near Pura Batur. Supported by the PUPR Ministry with IDR 250 billion, the provincial government will construct the connecting roads, with all planning documents finalized.
- Nusa Lembongan-Ceningan Bridge: As the Nusa Penida cluster skyrockets in popularity, a new bridge linking Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan (budgeted at IDR 108 billion) is deemed essential to manage inter-island traffic flow. Construction is earmarked to start in 2026.
- The Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road: This major artery project continues to advance and is currently in the tender process at the national level, promising a significant long-term relief for cross-island travel.
North Bali Gets a “Shortcut” to Progress
Simultaneously, a cornerstone project in North Bali has broken ground. The Singaraja-Mengwitani “Shortcut” at points 9-10, officially launched with a ceremony in Sukasada, Buleleng, is a strategic link to strengthen connectivity between North and South Bali and spur economic growth in Buleleng Regency.
The IDR 667.57 billion project, spanning 3.9 kilometers and featuring six bridges, is funded through state Islamic bonds (SBSN) and is targeted for completion by 2027.
Governor Koster has already requested the ministry to extend the project to points 11 and 12, citing challenging terrain that currently hinders smooth travel from Singaraja to Denpasar.
Land acquisition funding is being prioritized, with the aim of completing the entire shortcut route, from points 1 to 12, before the end of his term in 2030.
A Pivot Towards Sustainable Mobility
For the global community in Bali—residents, expatriates, and discerning travelers—these projects signal a pivotal shift. They represent a move from acknowledging a pervasive problem to implementing structured, funded solutions.
While the journey to a congestion-free Bali will be measured in years, not months, the clear roadmap and high-level political synergy offer a tangible promise: that the island is actively working to safeguard its livability and its allure, ensuring that the journey through Bali remains as enchanting as the destination itself.
Hey Bali News provides context and analysis on developments shaping life on the Island of the Gods, for those who call it home and those who dream of visiting.
