ASDP And InJourney Airports Susun A Study On Water Taxi Implementation In Bali

Photo: Doc. ASDP

JAKARTA - The government has asked PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) and InJourney Airports to prepare a thorough study regarding the water taxi or water taxi implementation plan on the Island of the Gods, Bali.

The study includes aspects of business, social-culture, and sustainability, so that the results are expected to be able to ensure optimal benefits for the community and tourism in Bali.

Deputy President Director of ASDP, Yossianis Marciano said that ASDP's participation in the preparation of water taxi studies in Bali is a tangible manifestation of support for the government's efforts to build a maritime transportation ecosystem that encourages economic equality and community welfare.

"With the spirit of serving and connecting the archipelago, ASDP wants to ensure that every sea transportation initiative can provide added value for Indonesian tourism and encourage the growth of new jobs for people in tourist destinations," he said in an official statement, Monday, August 25.

Furthermore, Yossianis said, water taxi services have the potential to be a strategic solution in reducing land traffic density in Bali.

"ASDP is here to support government programs by conducting comprehensive studies related to safe, modern, and integrated sea transportation services. We hope that the results of this study can be a strong foothold to provide smoother tourism connectivity as well as have a real impact on the welfare of the Balinese people," he said.

Moreover, he continued, the growth of tourists to Bali shows a very positive trend.

According to Airport Council International (ACI) data, the number of visits has reached 24 million by 2024 and is projected to increase to 32 million tourists per year in the next five years.

The tourism sector itself contributes more than 52 percent to Bali's GDP, with an economic turnover of around Rp. 118 trillion per year. This confirms the urgency of alternative transportation modes that are reliable and integrated to support tourism as well as logistics activities.

Yossianis hopes that the presence of a water taxi is expected to break the burden on the flow of tourists, reduce congestion to the airport, and expand access to comfortable sea travel.

"This mobility efficiency is projected to increase tourist spending while at the same time encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises in the Bali tourism sector," he said.

Meanwhile, ASDP Commercial VP Rizki Dwianda said that currently ASDP together with InJourney Airports are preparing a business and socio-cultural study to ensure the implementation of water taxis provides optimal multiplier effects.

"This study is important so that every step taken really provides maximum benefits, both in job creation, new business opportunities, and increasing local community income," he explained.

ASDP views sea routes as not only an alternative mode of transportation, but also as a driver of new economic growth. The smoother travel flow will accelerate economic turnover, expand logistics distribution, and reduce congestion rates that have so far had an impact on local community business activities.

For your information, the strategic water taxi program in Bali was determined through the Decree of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Region (Kemenko Infrawil) RI.

Kemenko Infrawil memegang peran koordinasi lintas sektor, Kemenhub sebagai pengampu kebijakan transportasi, serta pemerintah provinsi dan kabupaten/kota di Bali yang berperan dalam integrasi daerah.

Adapun program ini merupakan tindak lanjut dari inisiatif Kementerian Perhubungan dalam menghadirkan moda transportasi laut modern sebagai alternatif untuk mendukung pariwisata dan memperlancar mobilitas masyarakat di Bali.

The Coordinating Ministry for Infrawil plays a role in cross-sectoral coordination, the Ministry of Transportation as the supervisor of transportation policies, as well as provincial and district/city governments in Bali that play a role in regional integration.

This program is a follow-up to the Ministry of Transportation's initiative in presenting modern sea transportation modes as an alternative to supporting tourism and facilitating community mobility in Bali.