Jakarta. Indonesia and South Korea are expected to finish a feasibility study on the light rail transit (LRT) project in Bali this April, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

Budi visited Seoul on Tuesday to discuss the project with the South Korean Transport Ministry.

“We will focus on building the first phase of the Bali LRT project that connects the Ngurah Rai airport and Central Park in Bali,” Budi said in a statement.

According to Budi, Korea National Railways is currently conducting a feasibility study on the project with grant financing from the Korean Exim Bank. The feasibility study began in January 2023.

“A feasibility study is not something easy. Because we have to consider all sorts of aspects, starting from the technical, financial, and institutional aspects. But we are pretty sure that we can finish this feasibility study,” Budi said.

The government is still discussing the financing schemes for the project. Some possibilities include official development assistance loans, as well as public-private partnerships.

“We seek support from the South Korean government, Eximbank, the Korea National Railways, and other related stakeholders. So Bali can enjoy a better mass transport system,” Budi said.