{ "success": true, "data": { "id": 1695090, "msgid": "reasons-why-bali-and-java-islands-are-not-connected-by-a-bridge-1776909165", "date": "2026-04-23 07:46:00", "title": "Reasons Why Bali and Java Islands Are Not Connected by a Bridge", "author": "", "source": "DETIK_BALI", "tags": "", "topic": "Infrastructure", "summary": "The idea of building a bridge between Java and Bali, separated by just 5 kilometres of the Bali Strait, has been proposed since the 1960s but repeatedly rejected due to cultural, spiritual, and social concerns in Bali. Local communities and Hindu organisations view the strait not merely as a geographical divide but as a sacred boundary essential for maintaining the island's spiritual balance and protecting it from external influences. This resistance highlights the interplay between infrastructure development and Bali's deep-rooted mythological traditions, prioritising cultural preservation over economic connectivity.", "content": "

Java and Bali islands are actually quite close, only about 5\nkilometres apart. However, have you ever wondered why these two islands\nare not connected by a bridge?<\/p>\n

The discourse on constructing a Java-Bali bridge has existed for a\nlong time, but it has not yet been realised due to various\nconsiderations. The reasons why the Java-Bali bridge has not been built\nare not only technical factors but also related to history, as well as\nthe values and beliefs of the people on the Island of the Gods.<\/p>\n

Here are several reasons why the Java-Bali bridge has not been\nrealised.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Rejected by Various Parties in Bali<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The discourse on building a connecting route between Java and Bali\nhas actually existed for a long time. The idea of constructing a\nconnecting bridge first emerged in the 1960s under the name of the\nTrinusa Bima Sakti project. The proposal was put forward by Sedyatmo, a\nprofessor at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). However, the\nplan was immediately rejected by parts of Balinese society.<\/p>\n

    Several decades later, in 2012, a similar discourse re-emerged. The\nBanyuwangi Regency Government (Pemkab) proposed building a bridge to\nfacilitate vehicle access and boost the economy on both islands. The\nproposal was again met with rejection, including from the Jembrana\nRegency Government and the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Association\n(PHDI).<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. The Bali Strait Is More Than Just a Natural Boundary<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Geographically, the Bali Strait was formed naturally as a land\nseparator due to geological processes and tectonic activity that have\noccurred over thousands to millions of years.<\/p>\n

      However, in the view of Balinese society, the existence of the Bali\nStrait is not understood merely as a natural boundary, but also as a\nsymbol of cultural, moral, and spiritual separation. This aligns with\nthe philosophy of life of Balinese Hindus, who regard mountains, seas,\nand land as having symbolic functions in maintaining the balance of life\nthat must be respected.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Balinese Beliefs and Mythology<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        In addition to the above matters, the rejection is also related to\nthe cultural views and beliefs of Balinese society. For Hindus, Bali\nIsland is believed to need to be separated from Java both physically\n(sekala) and spiritually (niskala) by the sea, which is considered\nsacred.<\/p>\n

        Quoted from the Bali Culture website, the Bali Strait is believed to\nhave been formed from the story of Sidi Mantra and his son, Manik\nAngkeran, which ended tragically. In the story, Sidi Mantra created the\nsea supernaturally as a \u201cdividing line\u201d between himself and his son.<\/p>\n

        According to Balinese Hindu mythology, the existence of a bridge\nconnecting the two islands is feared to disrupt the order of natural and\nlife balance. Essentially, this view reflects the efforts of Balinese\nsociety to maintain the sanctity of the Island of the Gods so that it\nremains aligned culturally and spiritually, while avoiding external\ninfluences that could disturb the peace.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/reasons-why-bali-and-java-islands-are-not-connected-by-a-bridge-1776909165", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }