Minister Of PPN And Governor Of Bali Discuss LRT Development Acceleration

JAKARTA - The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa with the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster discussed the plan to build the Bali Light Rail Transit or LRT for the Ngurah Rai Airport-Central Kuta to Seminyak route.

Suharso welcomed the plan to develop transportation infrastructure using light rail modes in Bali.

For the cooperation model, Suharso asked to immediately review the scheme that can be implemented quickly and still refers to the existing provisions.

"We agree with this LRT model with underground lines or tunnels for routes where there really are no more options, such as BRT or trams. Only for the study of costs and models whether PPP or mix with loans must be discussed in detail," said Suharso, as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 31.

Suharso also explained the stages to be carried out, such as the proposal to be included in the Bappenas blue book. Then, it will be continued with a feasibility study process or a feasibility study by the KNR (Korea National Railway) with the Bali Provincial Government.

During the meeting, Governor Wayan Koster was accompanied by the Head of Bali Transportation Agency I Wayan Samsi, Deputy Chairman of the Bali Railway Acceleration Team Michael F. Umbas, Director of BUMN Nindya Karya Haedar Karim, Director of Marketing and Development Moeharmein Zein Chaniago, and representatives of Korea National Railway Sunghee Choo, Korea Eximbank Indonesia Country Director Kim Jae Cheol, and KIND Rep Office Indonesia Lee Seung Hwan.

Meanwhile, Koster said the transportation system in Bali really needs a touch of comprehensive policy design. The system also needs significant changes immediately. This is because the growth and the number of tourist visits are getting higher, while the means of mass transportation are limited.

"We need the full support of the central government so that the face of Bali transportation can be better and more comfortable. One of them is that we encourage LRT trains. We are grateful for the positive response from Bapenas Minister Mr. Suharso," he said.

Koster asked Bappenas to be the locomotive in supporting the acceleration of the construction of the Bali LRT. "We entrust it to the Minister so that this plan can be completed, not solely for Bali, but for Indonesia," he emphasized.

Korea National Railway (KNR) representative Sunghee Choo said that his party had been trying since 2020 to convince the Indonesian government that investment in the construction of the Bali LRT could be approved and carried out.

"We are very serious about building the LRT transportation system in Bali. We hope that we will soon be given the opportunity to start a feasibility study," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by Michael Umbas as Deputy Chair of the Bali Train Acceleration Team. He conveyed about the urgency of transforming transportation infrastructure in Bali.

"We know that Bali is a storefront and symbol of Indonesia, including the G-20 which will take place soon. Indonesia will host a large, prestigious and monumental event. Of course, we hope that in the future Bali can be more prepared, more modern, and display effective public transportation facilities. and environmentally friendly like this LRT," said Michael.