Badung’s Regent I Nyoman Giri Prasta has announced an ambitious plan to build a coastal toll road stretching along the coastline from Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to Cemagi in Mengwi District. This project, set to commence before the end of his term, represents a significant infrastructural advancement aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting the region’s tourism industry.
A Unique Vision for Coastal Infrastructure
Unlike the existing Bali Mandara Toll Road, the coastal toll road envisioned by Giri Prasta will be constructed along the beach. This innovative design will not only provide a scenic route for travelers but also support electric bus transportation, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional roadways. According to the Head of the Badung Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Department, Ida Bagus Surya Suamba, the road will follow the coastline, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape while promoting sustainable tourism.
Addressing Coastal Erosion
A critical component of this project is the normalization of the coastline, which involves adding sand to combat erosion. “As I mentioned before, this is a tram route. It will indeed be along the beach or the sea,” said Surya Suamba on Monday, July 15, 2024. He emphasized that the addition of sand is essential to stabilize the beach and support the construction of the road. This sand replenishment will extend up to Cemagi Beach, addressing the ongoing issue of coastal erosion that has affected the area.
Enhancing Tourist Experience
The planned road, which will be 8 meters wide, is specifically designed for electric buses, providing a modern and environmentally friendly transportation option for tourists. “We will first organize the beach. After that, we will build the road, which will later be equipped with electric buses,” explained Surya Suamba. This initiative aligns with Giri Prasta’s vision to enhance the tourist experience by offering seamless transportation from the airport directly to the beach.
Giri Prasta has assured that the beach arrangement will not disrupt tourist activities. On the contrary, the project aims to improve the quality of the waves for surfing, thereby attracting more surfers to the area. “The design will enhance the quality of the waves for surfing,” noted Surya Suamba, highlighting the dual benefits of the project for both transportation and recreation.
Strategic Planning and Execution
The construction of the tram and the coastal toll road from Ngurah Rai Airport to Cemagi will proceed according to a carefully mapped plan. “Whichever comes first after the sand arrangement, there will be a tram along the beach, or alternatively, our second option is the coastal toll road. Whichever can be executed more quickly will be agreed upon,” explained Giri Prasta. He emphasized the importance of thorough planning to ensure the success of these projects, stating, “The things we are doing involve a mapping process that must be well-prepared. We must ensure that projects do not become stalled. It is better to take time for thorough planning.”
This meticulous approach is aimed at preventing any potential delays or abandonment of the projects. Giri Prasta is committed to ensuring that both the tram and the coastal toll road are completed efficiently, providing a lasting legacy of improved infrastructure for Badung. “Before Giri Prasta steps down as the Regent of Badung, I will build the coastal toll road. So, international, domestic, or foreign tourists arriving from the airport can go directly to the sea,” he affirmed.
Budget and Timelines
The Head of the Badung PUPR Department, Ida Bagus Surya Suamba, provided insights into the project’s financial aspects. Drawing comparisons to successful coastal management projects, he cited Kulkus Beach in Australia as an example where beach reorganization significantly improved wave quality for surfing. “Like at Kulkus Beach in Australia. It was initially bad but was then reorganized, and its waves became better,” he explained.
The overall beach arrangement will include the construction of breakwaters, underlying structures, and other necessary components. This comprehensive approach aims to create a resilient coastal infrastructure that can withstand natural challenges while supporting tourism and transportation. The project, based on the Detailed Engineering Design (DED), is estimated to require a budget of Rp 900 billion. The construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, marking a significant investment in the region’s future.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Giri Prasta’s coastal toll road project is poised to transform Badung’s coastal landscape, offering a unique blend of sustainable transportation and enhanced tourist amenities. By addressing coastal erosion, improving wave quality for surfing, and providing a dedicated route for electric buses, the project aligns with broader efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism in Bali.
As the Regent’s term draws to a close, the successful execution of this project will stand as a testament to his commitment to advancing Badung’s infrastructure and tourism potential. With meticulous planning and a substantial budget allocation, the coastal toll road project is set to become a landmark achievement, benefiting both locals and visitors alike.
