Bali's Longest Toll Road Project Shows Signs of Revival
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Road Toll Regulatory Body (BPJT) under the Ministry of Public Works has begun discussions regarding the future of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project in Bali, with a particular focus on the operational scheme for the toll road.
Chronologically, the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project had progressed through initiative approval to the signing of a toll road operational agreement (PPJT). However, due to failure to meet obligations concerning land acquisition and financial close, the agreement was terminated on 3 August 2023.
According to BPJT statements, the authority is currently preparing a fresh tender process with optimised operational scope for the toll road to improve project viability. In line with this plan, readiness criteria documentation is being redrawn for the toll road operational tender.
“We are currently preparing a fresh tender process with optimisation of the toll road operational scope to improve project viability. In line with this, we are redrafting the readiness criteria documentation as part of the preparation for the toll road operational tender,” stated BPJT Head Wilan Oktavian.
The restructuring of the project scope and construction phases for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road represents a strategic step to enhance financial viability and investment attractiveness, whilst ensuring development is implemented in a measured, phased manner based on actual traffic requirements.
The Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road comprises three sections: Section 1 from Gilimanuk to Pekutatan spanning 53.6 km, Section 2 from Pekutatan to Soka spanning 24.3 km, and Section 3 from Soka to Mengwi spanning 18.9 km. The project targets full completion by 2028.
The 96.84 km toll road project, requiring an investment of IDR 24.98 trillion, is expected to address congestion issues on national highways, reducing travel time from Gilimanuk to Denpasar from the original 5-7 hours to approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Furthermore, the toll road is anticipated to help balance Bali’s economy, which currently remains concentrated in just 9 per cent of the island’s territory, whilst improving productivity and transport distribution efficiency. Notably, the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road will feature a dedicated lane for two-wheeled vehicles including bicycles and motorcycles.