JAKARTA — Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI) has called for a special development scheme to accelerate infrastructure development in Bali, emphasizing that the island’s strategic tourism infrastructure cannot be built through conventional approaches.
The central government has agreed to accommodate and realize key proposals put forward by Bali Governor Wayan Koster. The agreement was reached during a working meeting and hearing on the acceleration and synergy of priority tourism infrastructure and transportation programs in Bali, held at the Parliament Complex in Senayan on Wednesday (April 8, 2026).
The meeting was led by Commission V Chairman Lasarus, accompanied by Deputy Chairman Ridwan Bae, and attended by members of the commission, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, as well as Governor Koster and his delegation.
Members of Commission V unanimously emphasized that Bali remains the backbone of Indonesia’s tourism-generated foreign exchange, and therefore requires strong government support to address key challenges such as waste management, traffic congestion, coastal erosion, and clean water supply.
“Infrastructure development in Bali cannot be carried out in the usual way. It requires acceleration through a special scheme to address existing challenges and ensure that Bali’s tourism remains high-quality, competitive, and sustainable,” Commission V stated.
The Ministry of Transportation responded positively to the governor’s proposals, highlighting ongoing efforts to address congestion through transportation initiatives. These include the development of a sea taxi program connecting I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Nusa Dua and Canggu, as well as the expansion of Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works also expressed support, outlining several ongoing and planned projects, including the construction of water reservoirs, coastal protection against abrasion, flood mitigation programs, road infrastructure improvements, and the continuation of the Gilimanuk–Mengwi Toll Road.
During his presentation, Governor Koster proposed a series of priority programs aimed at strengthening culturally based, high-quality, and sustainable tourism in Bali. These include waste management systems, clean water supply and distribution, renewable energy development under the Bali Energy Independence program, food sovereignty through organic agriculture, and integrated land and sea infrastructure development.
“All these priority programs require phased funding support from the state budget (APBN) starting from the 2027 fiscal year,” Koster said.
He also stressed the urgency of accelerating infrastructure development to maintain Bali’s global competitiveness in tourism.
“We must not fall behind countries like Thailand and Malaysia,” he emphasized.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Commission V formally instructed the central government—particularly the Ministries of Public Works and Transportation—to accommodate Bali’s proposals for accelerating tourism infrastructure and transportation development.
This directive was included in the official conclusions of the meeting, signed by the Minister of Transportation, Minister of Public Works, and the Governor of Bali.
Furthermore, the ministries and the Bali provincial government are required to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) to ensure implementation.
“Commission V mandates the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Bali Provincial Government to coordinate further with the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas regarding infrastructure development in Bali,” Lasarus concluded. ***
