April 11, 2026 | 09:05 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bali Transportation Agency is eyeing 2026 for the water taxi trial currently being spearheaded by the Ministry of Transportation.
"We are still finalizing the studies, including the vessel design and port infrastructure. We hope the trial can be conducted this year," I Kadek Mudarta, Head of the Bali Transportation Agency, stated in Denpasar on Friday, April 10.
Kadek Mudarta believed that sea taxis offer a viable alternative to the island's notorious land-based congestion, particularly around the entrance to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and the arterial roads leading to major tourist hubs.
Therefore, the inaugural route is set to connect Sekeh Beach, adjacent to the airport, with the bustling district of Canggu, specifically Berawa Beach.
"This is intended to provide an alternative, alleviate the burden on land traffic, and shorten travel time. Currently, the route from Sekeh Beach to Berawa Beach is under study," he noted.
The water taxi project remains in the research phase, the results of which will delineate the roles of various institutions, including the Bali Transportation Agency, as the implementation falls under the authority of state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP.
"Yes, it is hoped that this can be implemented by a business entity. Since this route remains within a single regency, Badung certainly has a greater role to play. However, the study will also determine the specific roles of all stakeholders, including the Bali Provincial Government," Kadek Mudarta explained.
He added that if the studies and trials stay on track, construction is expected to conclude by mid-2027, aligning with the Ministry of Transportation's roadmap.
Earlier, during a Working Meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) attended by Bali Governor Wayan Koster in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stated that once operational, these water taxis could slash travel times from two hours to just 30 minutes using environmentally friendly vessels.
The Canggu area, and Berawa Beach in particular, was selected due to its status as one of the most frequented destinations for both domestic and international travelers in Bali.
To move the process forward, the Ministry of Transportation has tasked PT ASDP, as the designated operator, with preparing a Detailed Engineering Design (DED) study, aiming for a construction start date in August 2026 alongside the scheduled trials for this year.
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