Embarrassing the Governor, Bali's Longest Toll Road Project to Begin Construction in 2027
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Bali Governor I Wayan Koster revealed that the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project has been eagerly awaited by the people of Bali and surrounding areas. This is particularly true given the considerable congestion on the Gilimanuk-Denpasar main road. He felt embarrassed when questioned by the public about the progress of the toll road’s construction.
“Regarding the plan for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction, we have been eagerly awaited by the public regarding this toll road, which has been planned for a long time but has seen no significant developments until now, making us embarrassed before the public. 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,” Koster said 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), on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
Koster requested certainty on the continuation of this toll road’s construction so that the public could know the developments of the project. “We request certainty regarding the continuation of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction plan,” he explained.
The Ministry of Public Works responded to the current plans for the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road project. Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti stated that the current progress involves preparing various supporting documents, starting from environmental impact analysis (AMDAL), traffic impact analysis, recommendations on spatial utilisation activity suitability, and land acquisition planning documents.
“For the progress of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road construction, we are currently preparing the environmental impact analysis, traffic impact analysis, recommendations on spatial utilisation activity suitability, and also land acquisition planning documents,” said Diana.
After that, the procurement or tender 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 begin construction in 2028-2029 and targeted to operate in 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 and facilitating the flow of logistics and public mobility in Bali, especially 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 said.