Bali Inks Deal with Jakarta for MRT Development

TEMPO.CO, Denpasar - The development plan of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Bali is confirmed to continue. The Bali government has inked a collaboration deal with the Jakarta government for assistance and development.

"The collaboration is between the management of MRT Jakarta and SBDJ," said Dodi Miharjana, the president director of PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ), on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya is a company established by the Bali Provincial Government to oversee the construction of the MRT, including partnering with investors who will finance this project.

The investment scheme for MRT development, according to Dodi, remains as originally planned, which is to involve the private sector and forgo government funds, either through the regional budget or state budget.

The deal was signed on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno.

Koster reckoned that Jakarta has extensive experience and advancement in managing public transportation, including the MRT, so it is reasonable for Bali to learn from the Jakarta Special Region.

"We are pleased to have collaboration with Jakarta, especially in preparing assistance for the MRT program. The Jakarta government can even find a partner for the purpose of Bali development," said the Governor in a press release by the Bali Provincial Government communication team.

Koster explained that the Bali Provincial Government is highly committed to solving traffic congestion in Bali, one of which is through the construction of MRT, that will connect Ngurah Rai Airport with other tourist attractions on the island.

"We really need MRT since road construction above ground is not permissible. The left and right sides are already crowded, not just with regular houses, but temples and all sorts of buildings," he said.

"So the only way is to build underground."

Furthermore, he also mentioned that, from a business standpoint, MRT in Bali is highly promising as they target tourists vacationing in Bali. Thus, government subsidies are not required, since the key is finding suitable investors. 

Meanwhile, Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno fully backs the progressive steps of the Bali government in developing a modern and sustainable urban railway system.

However, he also cautioned that MRT development spends quite a large amount of money and time.

Previously, the continuity of this project was in doubt after the President Director of Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya, Ari Ashkara, resigned from his post, despite successfully attracting investors and appointing PT Bumi Indah Prima as the Lead Investor with an investment value of Rp175 trillion for the first phase.

Editor’s Choice: 10 Unwritten Rules for Visiting Bali that Travelers Should Know

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

House Speaker Speaks on Waves of Layoffs in Bali, Urges Govt to Evaluate Budget Cuts

2 jam lalu

G-Dragon Adds Second Jakarta Date to Ubermensch World Tour

7 jam lalu

Persija Jakarta Scraps Stadium Construction Plans

8 jam lalu

The Destructive Ambition of the Giant Sea Wall Project

1 hari lalu

Human Rights Minister Urges Investigation on Pig's Head Terror Against Papuan Students in Bali

2 hari lalu

Investors Eye Jakarta Giant Sea Wall Project Worth Rp123tn, Minister Claims

2 hari lalu

Indonesia Shuts Down Two Factories in Serang Over Severe Air Pollution

2 hari lalu

Jakarta Claimed as Model for Non-Mining Downstream Practices

3 hari lalu

Jakarta Governor Asks Adhi Karya to Dismantle Abandoned Monorail Pillars

3 hari lalu

10 Unwritten Rules for Visiting Bali that Travelers Should Know

4 hari lalu