BULELENG — Bali Governor Wayan Koster has officially launched construction of Points 9 and 10 of the Singaraja–Mengwitani Shortcut Road, marking a major step toward improving connectivity between North and South Bali. The project was inaugurated through a traditional Ngeruak ceremony and a groundbreaking event in Gitgit Village, Buleleng, on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).
The shortcut road is a strategic infrastructure project jointly supported by the Bali Provincial Government and Indonesia’s Central Government, aimed at enhancing road safety, transportation efficiency, and logistics flow across the island.
Governor Koster said accelerating the completion of the Singaraja–Mengwitani shortcut has been a priority since the start of his second term in February 2025. He emphasized that the road is urgently needed to support both passenger mobility and logistics distribution.
“This project is essential for Bali’s economic resilience and balanced regional development,” Koster said, adding that land acquisition support from the provincial government has ensured smooth implementation.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to completing the shortcut road up to Point 12 before the end of his term in 2030, with further land acquisition and construction planned over the next several years.
The infrastructure development is considered vital to sustaining Bali’s position as a world-class tourism destination. Tourism contributes around 66 percent of Bali’s economy, with international arrivals reaching a record 7.05 million visitors in 2025.
Improved road geometry on the shortcut is expected to significantly reduce travel time, lower accident risks on steep and winding routes, and cut vehicle emissions by approximately 10 percent.
The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed its full support for the project, highlighting the shortcut road as a long-term solution to congestion while promoting equitable economic growth between northern and southern Bali.***
