Anticipate An Increase In Tourist Visits, Ministry Of Transportation Improves The Quality Of Transportation Infrastructure In Bali

JAKARTA - The government through the Ministry of Transportation has consistently continued to improve the quality of transportation infrastructure in Bali Province. This is to anticipate an increase in the number of domestic and foreign tourist visits after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said transportation development continues to be carried out in the land, sea and air sectors. In the marine sector, said Budi, the Ministry of Transportation has built three ports connecting the golden triangle area.

Sanur Port in Sanur, Sampalan Ferry Port in Nusa Penida, and Munjul Bias Ferry Port in Nusa Ceningan, Budi said, in an official statement, Wednesday, January 18.

In the air sector, continued Budi, Ngurah Rai Airport is still possible to be developed significantly. Especially in 2022, Ngurah Rai Airport will become the busiest airport managed by PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I).

The growth of airplane passengers at Ngurah Rai Airport both domestically and internationally in 2022 reached 12.5 million passengers. This number increased significantly by 231 percent compared to 2021 as many as 3.7 million passengers.

"Seeing the increasing trend of passenger and aircraft movements, Ngurah Rai Airport will develop its capacity to 35 million passengers per year, or reach 3 times the current capacity," he explained.

Moreover, continued Budi, with the Emirates airline plan to operate the Wide Body Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-2023, it is necessary to increase capacity, such as the runway extension.

"Including terminal development and aprons so that the services provided are getting better," he said.

Increase Connectivity

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, Adita Irawati, said that the Ministry of Transportation continues to communicate to improve connectivity in Bali Province, by connecting the surrounding areas.

For example, said Adita, such as Lombok and Banyuwangi, in order to support the tourism sector which is the main sector driving the economic growth of the people in Bali and its surroundings.

"With the overall development and development of transportation infrastructure in Bali Province and its surroundings, it is hoped that it can stimulate tourist destinations spread across several areas in Bali Province and also tourist destinations in surrounding areas such as Lombok, Banyuwangi, and so on," said Adita.

By developing more comprehensive areas in all modes, said Adita, the impact will be greater on tourism progress, compared to building a new airport.