Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has proposed the implementation of a modern transportation system, including the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) and the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Bali Urban Subway, as a solution to Bali's public transportation problems, particularly to ease traffic congestion in Kuta.

This statement was made during the National Transportation Day 2024 celebration held at the Bali Maritim Tourism Hub (BMTH) on September 17, 2024.

Budi Karya also encouraged the Bali provincial government to attract more investors, including those from South Korea and China, to fund this ambitious project. Earlier, the provincial government announced an investment of IDR 325.7 billion (US$20 billion) for the "Bali Urban Subway" project.

For your information, ART is an electric-based mass transit mode with rubber wheels that operates on virtual tracks within specific boundaries. Autonomous trams combine features of light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT).

Balancing cost and accessibility

Although the project requires significant funding, it is expected to remain affordable for the public, with the Ministry of Transportation involved in regulating ticket prices.

As an additional measure, the Buy The Service (BTS) scheme will be applied, which is a form of subsidy to support urban public transport services.

Connecting key destinations

The Bali Subway Project will be constructed in four phases: the first phase will connect Ngurah Rai International Airport to Kuta, Seminyak, Berawa, and Cemagi; the second phase will link the airport to Jimbaran, UNUD, and Nusa Dua; the third phase will connect Kuta Central Parking to Sesetan, Renon, and Sanur; and the fourth phase will link Renon to Sukawati and Ubud.

The phases from the airport to Kuta and from the airport to Jimbaran-UNUD-Nusa Dua are targeted for completion by 2028, while the entire project is expected to be completed by 2031.