Bali Turns to Korea, UK to Continue LRT Project

The Bali Provincial Government continues its plan to construct the Bali Light Rail Transit (LRT), which aims to connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Seminyak. Currently, the project has entered the feasibility study stage and is estimated to cost Rp 10 trillion.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi revealed that South Korean investors had expressed interest in participating in the Bali LRT project. This revelation came after he met with Kin Hanyoung, Chairman & CEO of the Korean National Railway (KNR), and Kang Hoon Lee, CEO of the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Cooperation (KIND), on May 30.

Budi said that the feasibility study for the Bali LRT would be funded by Official Development Assistance (ODA) from South Korea. "The construction funding would be carried out through a public-private partnership (PPP) model," Budi said on May 31.

Besides South Korea, the United Kingdom has also expressed interest in participating in the Bali LRT project. During a meeting with Bali Governor Wayan Koster on May 11, British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Owen Jenkins conveyed their interest.

"I am interested in discussing sustainable transportation and want to learn more about the Bali Provincial Government's plans to decarbonize its public transport system," Jenkins said.