Reasons Why Bali and Java Islands Are Not Connected by a Bridge

Java and Bali islands are actually quite close, only about 5 kilometres apart. However, have you ever wondered why these two islands are not connected by a bridge?

The discourse on constructing a Java-Bali bridge has existed for a long time, but it has not yet been realised due to various considerations. The reasons why the Java-Bali bridge has not been built are not only technical factors but also related to history, as well as the values and beliefs of the people on the Island of the Gods.

Here are several reasons why the Java-Bali bridge has not been realised.

1. Rejected by Various Parties in Bali

The discourse on building a connecting route between Java and Bali has actually existed for a long time. The idea of constructing a connecting bridge first emerged in the 1960s under the name of the Trinusa Bima Sakti project. The proposal was put forward by Sedyatmo, a professor at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). However, the plan was immediately rejected by parts of Balinese society.

Several decades later, in 2012, a similar discourse re-emerged. The Banyuwangi Regency Government (Pemkab) proposed building a bridge to facilitate vehicle access and boost the economy on both islands. The proposal was again met with rejection, including from the Jembrana Regency Government and the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Association (PHDI).

2. The Bali Strait Is More Than Just a Natural Boundary

Geographically, the Bali Strait was formed naturally as a land separator due to geological processes and tectonic activity that have occurred over thousands to millions of years.

However, in the view of Balinese society, the existence of the Bali Strait is not understood merely as a natural boundary, but also as a symbol of cultural, moral, and spiritual separation. This aligns with the philosophy of life of Balinese Hindus, who regard mountains, seas, and land as having symbolic functions in maintaining the balance of life that must be respected.

3. Balinese Beliefs and Mythology

In addition to the above matters, the rejection is also related to the cultural views and beliefs of Balinese society. For Hindus, Bali Island is believed to need to be separated from Java both physically (sekala) and spiritually (niskala) by the sea, which is considered sacred.

Quoted from the Bali Culture website, the Bali Strait is believed to have been formed from the story of Sidi Mantra and his son, Manik Angkeran, which ended tragically. In the story, Sidi Mantra created the sea supernaturally as a “dividing line” between himself and his son.

According to Balinese Hindu mythology, the existence of a bridge connecting the two islands is feared to disrupt the order of natural and life balance. Essentially, this view reflects the efforts of Balinese society to maintain the sanctity of the Island of the Gods so that it remains aligned culturally and spiritually, while avoiding external influences that could disturb the peace.