Stalled MRT Project, Transport Minister Hints at Water Taxi for Bali

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is preparing an alternative measure if the Bali MRT project does not proceed, as there has been no further discussion on resuming its construction with investors. Dudy has suggested a water taxi project in the Denpasar area as an alternative public transportation option in Bali, while waiting for private companies or investors to show interest in the MRT project. “So we are still trying to offer it to parties who were previously interested in developing the Bali MRT. We are coming with one alternative solution, the water taxi, to bridge the time available with investors who will re-enter the Bali MRT project,” Dudy said during a working meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives on Wednesday (8/4/2026). The water taxi project is designed as a sea-based transport mode connecting several strategic locations and main tourist destinations in Bali, including from the Ngurah Rai Airport area to Canggu. In its implementation, PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), appointed as the operator of the water taxi, is currently preparing a pre-design study and feasibility study. These stages will form the basis before proceeding to the detailed engineering design (DED). “Currently, ASDP will handle and operate the water taxi and is in the process of preparing the DED study, where construction work will begin in August 2026 until July 2027,” Dudy continued. He explained that the initial investment required for this project is estimated at Rp 1.21 trillion. With this new water transport mode, the travel time from Ngurah Rai Airport to the Canggu area, which currently takes one to two hours by land, can be reduced to 30 minutes. “Canggu is among the top three tourist destinations with the highest interest from both domestic and international tourists, where the estimated budget needed for the initial investment component is Rp 1.21 trillion,” he clarified. Furthermore, to ensure navigation safety, Dudy said the water transport project design will also include the construction of breakwaters, especially at points with extreme water conditions such as the Sekeh Beach area at Ngurah Rai Airport and Berawa Beach in Canggu. With the introduction of the water taxi, he hopes that the mobility of tourists and residents in Bali can become more efficient, while also reducing the burden of traffic congestion on land routes, which has been the main issue. “Acceleration steps continue to be taken, from completing studies to preparing technical designs, so that the implementation of this project is on time,” he concluded.