DENPASAR – Bali Governor Wayan Koster, accompanied by Chairwoman of the Bali Provincial PKK Movement, Putri Suastini Koster, welcomed Indonesia’s Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, along with his wife, Ny. Ninuk Mardiana Estilistiati Pambudy, at the Governor’s Official Residence, Jayasabha Building, on Wednesday (Feb 11, 2026).
The meeting was utilized by Governor Koster to seek the Minister’s support in accelerating the strengthening of Bali’s land and maritime infrastructure.
Opening his presentation, Governor Koster highlighted Bali’s 2025 achievements based on data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Bali Province. He noted that Bali’s cumulative economic growth in 2025 reached 5.82 percent, an increase of 0.34 percentage points compared to 5.48 percent in 2024. In line with this growth, Bali’s per capita income rose to IDR 72.66 million in 2025, up by IDR 5.34 million from IDR 67.32 million the previous year.
Governor Koster then outlined several priority infrastructure programs currently being pursued. “We are focusing on infrastructure improvements in several regions such as Buleleng, Karangasem, Tabanan, and others to ensure equitable development,” he stated.
Previously, the Governor had met with the Minister of Public Works in Jakarta to secure support for Bali’s infrastructure projects. “I respectfully request the Minister’s assistance to further strengthen this support,” said the two-term Governor.
One of the key projects requiring certainty, he emphasized, is the continuation of the 96.84-kilometer Gilimanuk–Mengwi Toll Road. “We need assurance regarding the continuation of this toll road construction, as it is crucial to alleviating traffic congestion,” he stressed.
Regarding logistics infrastructure, Governor Koster also highlighted efforts to reduce the volume of freight transportation via land routes. To achieve this, Bali needs increased capacity at three ports: Celukan Bawang, Amed, and Kusamba.
Strengthening these ports would enable logistics vehicles from Ketapang to dock directly at Celukan Bawang Port, while eastern Bali logistics could be handled through Amed or Kusamba ports. “This will reduce congestion caused by the high mobility of logistics transportation,” he explained.
The Governor, who also serves as Chair of the Bali Regional Chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), further requested central government support to enhance the function of Pengambengan Port, known as a fisheries port.
Minister Prioritizes Bali’s Infrastructure Development
Minister Rachmat Pambudy expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Governor Koster.
“This is my second visit here, and it is truly an honor for us, especially with Mrs. Putri accompanying us,” he said.
Accompanied by several deputy ministers, Pambudy reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Bali’s advancement. “Bali is the face of Indonesia. It reflects the country—whether in good times or otherwise,” he remarked.
Responding to the Governor’s request, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas will prioritize infrastructure development in Bali. “Not only land and maritime infrastructure, but also air connectivity. Digital infrastructure must also be accelerated,” he added.
Demonstrating his seriousness, Minister Pambudy directly contacted several relevant ministers during the meeting to follow up on key projects.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector, recalling how agriculture supported Bali’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, Governor Koster affirmed that agriculture remains a priority in Bali’s current development agenda. “We are intensively developing organic farming,” he said.
The provincial government is also promoting local garlic cultivation to reduce dependence on imports. “Our food supply is surplus, except for garlic, which still relies on imports. This is a key concern for us,” he added.
Deputy for Macroeconomic Development Planning at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Eka Chandra Buana, elaborated on several Bali infrastructure projects already included in the national planning agenda, including the continuation of the Gilimanuk–Mengwi Toll Road. “There is also the LRT project, while the new airport remains at the scheme development stage,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Putri Suastini Koster, who also serves as Chairwoman of the Bali Provincial National Crafts Council (Dekranasda), expressed her hope that Bali could become a super hub for marketing handicraft products from various regions across Indonesia.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs. Governor Koster presented Minister Pambudy with a traditional Balinese endek woven cloth, while the Minister gifted several books and coffee. Putri Koster also presented Ny. Ninuk Pambudy with two special gifts: a handwoven ate bag and a leather bag adorned with traditional Balinese carvings, leaving a lasting impression on the Minister’s wife.***
