Bus routes in high demand by island residents, connecting Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, ceased operations on January 1, 2025. This happened after the provincial central government, the owner of the program, was unable to allocate sufficient funds in the budget to sustain it. Operating the Trans Metro Dewata Bus system requires over 80 billion rupiah annually.
Bali’s newly elected governor, Wayan Koster, proposed sharing the operational costs of the Trans Metro Dewata bus fleet among the island’s regencies and cities, rather than placing the financial burden solely on the province. He emphasized that he plans to give significant attention to reviving the recently discontinued bus service.
“Buses are indeed a priority. The service will be revived, but first, it will be carefully reviewed and organized more effectively and efficiently,” said Koster.
The idea of sharing the costs of Trans Metro Dewata was also proposed by the Indonesian Transport Society, which suggested that the city government of Denpasar and the regencies of Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan could split the expenses among themselves.
As for road infrastructure, Wayan Koster and his deputy, Giri Prasta, promised to continue the Mengwi–Gilimanuk toll road project. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has confirmed the priority status of this crucial construction for the island.
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