Denpasar. The Bali Administration, supported by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and the Investment Ministry, has initiated the investment tender process for infrastructure development supporting a new subway mass transit system in Bali.

Acting Governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, announced in Denpasar on Wednesday that two companies, Jamkrida Bali Mandara and Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya (SBDJ), have been assigned to develop the infrastructure for this underground transport system.

"SBDJ has started the investment tender through a qualification process to find suitable global investment partners for Bali’s mass transit rail system project," he said.

So far, eight major investors have shown interest, including three from Europe, two from China, one from Malaysia, and two from Indonesia.

Sang Made highlighted that this tender represents a significant milestone in developing infrastructure within Bali's tourism corridor, with the subway expected to become operational soon.

The planned subway system will connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Central Parking Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu in Badung Regency, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion.

Regarding the projected investment value, Sang Made did not provide specific details as calculations are still ongoing.

He explained that the decision to develop underground public transportation is driven by the narrow, infrastructure-heavy roads in the area, which include hotels, villas, bars, cafes, and local residents' homes, each with its own place of worship.

With over 15 million tourists visiting Bali in 2023 and a target of 20 million in 2024, the Bali Provincial Government expects a continuous increase in tourist numbers in the coming years.

Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the growing number of tourists should be matched with adequate supporting facilities, utilizing an efficient financing system.

"This is an investment model focused on tourism, fully investing in and managing the existing tourist market," Bahlil said.

As the mobility in the area is primarily for tourism and business, the tickets are expected to be unsubsidized by the government.

He noted that this financing model can serve as a benchmark, as it does not rely on state or regional budgets and is expected to attract high-quality tourists, creating new revenue streams and establishing Bali as a new iconic destination.

Meanwhile, Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, emphasized that the development of underground infrastructure must not harm Bali's environment and culture.

He urged the immediate creation of regulations for underground spatial planning, drawing on practices implemented by President Joko Widodo when he was the governor of Jakarta.

"Hopefully, this project can be realized soon. However, it must be business-friendly, resident-friendly, environmentally friendly, and culturally friendly to enrich Bali without damaging it," Suharso said.