The Provincial Government of Bali has confirmed that construction of the bridge connecting Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan in Klungkung Regency will commence in 2026. The announcement marks a significant step forward for an infrastructure project that has been under evaluation and planning for years.
According to the Bali Provincial Government, the bridge project is intended to address traffic congestion and improve access to tourism activities in the island cluster, including Nusa Penida and the surrounding islands. These areas have experienced a steady increase in visitor numbers and are now considered among Bali’s favored destinations.
“In Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, now it’s stuck. Nusa Penida is a very attractive tourist attraction, so it needs bridges and connecting roads so that access is smooth,” said Koster in Buleleng, Wednesday (7/1/2026).
Background and Rationale for the Project
Governor of Bali Wayan Koster stated that the construction of the bridge is an urgent necessity given the growing number of tourists visiting Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The bridge is expected to serve as a key connector, supporting mobility between the two islands.
The bridge linking Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan is not a new concept. A previous structure at the same location collapsed on 16 October 2016. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight people and prompted authorities to reassess infrastructure safety and long-term development plans in the area.
Budget Adjustment After Technical Review
Initially, the bridge construction project was allocated a budget of Rp112 billion. However, following a comprehensive technical evaluation, the government adjusted the required funding to Rp108 billion. The revision reflects refinements made during the assessment process to align the budget with actual construction needs.
Officials have indicated that the adjustment was part of standard planning procedures to ensure that the project is financially feasible and technically sound before execution begins.
Planning and Project Readiness
The Bali Provincial Government confirmed that all planning and preparatory documents for the bridge construction have been completed. This includes technical designs and administrative requirements necessary for the project to proceed as scheduled.
With documentation finalized, the government has set 2026 as the official start year for construction. No specific completion timeline has been announced.
Focus on Infrastructure and Tourism Access
The bridge is expected to serve as supporting infrastructure, facilitating smoother access between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. The government has emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to manage transportation flow and support tourism-related movement across the islands.
Officials have not provided additional details regarding construction phases or traffic arrangements during the building period.
