Bali Governor opts for ART over MRT development plans

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has chosen an integrated autonomous tram system, known as Autonomous Rail Transit (ART), to replace the proposed development of a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. “Because (ART) is far more efficient and technologically easier,” Koster said on the sidelines of a salak export release event in Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday. For the initial stage, he added, the Bali Provincial Government is drafting a gubernatorial regulation to accommodate ART, as it is not yet included in the regional spatial plan. The governor, who hails from Sembiran Village in Buleleng Regency, did not provide details on the location or budget allocation for the ART construction. However, he revealed that the development target for ART is expected to commence in 2027. Previously, during a working meeting with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi explained on Wednesday that there is investor interest in building mass transportation such as MRT and Light Rail Transit (LRT) on the Island of the Gods. However, the ministry has yet to receive any investors who have come forward to discuss the development of the railway. “We continue to try to offer the opportunity to investors interested in developing rail lines, both LRT and MRT, in Bali,” the Minister said, adding that an alternative solution being considered is a water taxi service. Meanwhile, a groundbreaking ceremony for a subway project was held in September 2024 at Sentral Parkir Kuta, Badung Regency. However, the project, managed by PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya, a sub-subsidiary of the regional company PT Jamkrida Bali Mandara, has not progressed. The reason cited is the absence of an investment partner for development and financing.