Bali's Longest Toll Road Project Set to Rise from the Dead After Stagnation
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has revealed plans for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project, which has long been awaited by the people of Bali and surrounding areas, given the considerable congestion on the Gilimanuk-Denpasar highway. He expressed embarrassment when questioned by the public about the progress of the toll road’s construction.
“Regarding the plans for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction, we have been eagerly awaited by the public about this toll road, which has been planned for a long time but has seen no significant developments until now, making us embarrassed in front of the people. We are constantly asked, while the land has already been designated (location determination), so the public cannot utilise the land that has been set aside for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road route,” said Koster during a working meeting (raker) with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Ministry of Public Works (PU), and the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), last Wednesday (8/4/2026).
Koster requested certainty on the continuation of this toll road’s construction, so that the public can know the developments of the project.
“We request certainty regarding the continuation of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction plans,” he explained.
The Ministry of Public Works responded to the plans for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project at present. Deputy Minister of Public Works, Diana Kusumastuti, stated that the current progress on the toll road project involves preparing various supporting documents, starting from analysis of environmental impacts (AMDAL), traffic impact analysis, recommendations on the suitability of space utilisation activities, and land acquisition planning.
“For the progress of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction, we are currently preparing the analysis regarding environmental impacts, traffic impact analysis, recommendations on the suitability of space utilisation activities, and also land acquisition planning documents,” said Diana.
After that, the procurement or tendering process by the toll road business entity (BUJT) is planned to begin in 2027.
“The procurement process for the toll road business entity (BUJT) is planned to begin in 2027,” Diana continued.
She estimated that construction of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road could start in 2028-2029 and is targeted to be operational in 2031.
“The Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road is planned to start construction in 2028-2029 with a target operational date of 2031,” Diana clarified.
According to her, the presence of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road is expected to provide a long-term solution in reducing congestion as well as smoothing logistics flow and public mobility in Bali, particularly from the western region to the central tourism areas.
“This development is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen strategic connectivity while supporting Bali’s tourism competitiveness,” she stated.