The Indonesian government has officially kicked off the construction of Bali’s underground Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, marking the launch with a traditional Pengeruwakan ceremony. This massive infrastructure project aims to improve the island’s transportation network, with plans to offer different pricing schemes for local residents and international tourists. While Balinese residents will likely enjoy free rides of Bali LRT, foreign tourists will be charged Rp 600,000 for a week-long pass.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) of Central Parking in Kuta, Badung, Bali. According to I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Danadiputra, President Director of PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ), the Pengeruwakan ritual is a spiritual cleansing ceremony traditionally performed to seek blessings and protection from the universe, ensuring the project’s success.
The Bali Urban Subway LRT project is divided into four phases. Phase one will cover the route from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Central Parking Kuta, passing through Seminyak, Berawa, and Cemagi, stretching 16 kilometers in total. Phase two will connect the airport to Udayana University and Nusa Dua, covering 13.5 kilometers.
For phases three and four, feasibility studies are still ongoing. Phase three will cover the route from Central Parking Kuta to Sanur, passing through Sesetan and Renon, while phase four will connect Renon to Ubud via Sukawati.
Ari Askhara further elaborated on the proposed ticket pricing scheme, which aims to differentiate between foreign tourists and local residents. For tourists, a weekly ticket will cost around Rp 600,000 (approximately USD 35 to USD 40), but he emphasized that this amount is not final as the actual construction costs are still being assessed.
“We are projecting this price based on the convenience it offers. Imagine a tourist taking a Grab ride from the airport to Cemagi—it can cost Rp 350,000 and take 2.5 hours. With the LRT, they pay Rp 600,000 for unlimited travel within a week, making it much more efficient,” Askhara explained.
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For Bali residents, the plan is to offer free rides on the LRT, as long as they can show a valid Bali ID card (KTP Bali). “We’re working hard to ensure that it’s free for locals. We’re still calculating the costs, but that’s the goal,” Askhara added.
The construction of the first phase, which spans 16 kilometers from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Cemagi, is expected to be more challenging than the second phase, which runs through limestone areas from the airport to Nusa Dua.
“The first phase will be more difficult due to the rocky terrain. It will take longer to complete compared to phase two, which will be relatively easier,” Askhara stated.
The underground LRT tunnels are being dug at a depth of 30 meters, using standard gauge tracks measuring 1,435 millimeters in width. The construction is expected to significantly enhance Bali’s public transportation infrastructure.
Askhara revealed that the total investment for the first two phases of the LRT project stands at USD 10.8 billion (equivalent to Rp 167 trillion). Once all four phases are completed, the total investment is projected to reach USD 20 billion.
The Bali LRT project, which targets both local commuters and international tourists, is expected to greatly alleviate traffic congestion on the island, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. With its combination of modern infrastructure and traditional ceremonies, the project promises to bring Bali into a new era of efficient and sustainable transportation.
