Bali Governor, Wayan Koster, plans to renovate the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Sports Hall in Denpasar to become an international-standard facility. This plan has been on Koster’s agenda since his first term as Governor of Bali.
As reported by Detik.com, Koster stated, “Yes (international standard), let’s improve it and support small-medium enterprises as well,” during a press conference at his official residence, Jaya Sabha, Denpasar, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
More Productive Facilities
Koster intends to collaborate with third parties once the renovation of Ngurah Rai sport hall is completed, so the venue can operate productively and be well-maintained, similar to the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar.
“The condition of Ngurah Rai sport hall is indeed very concerning, and it is located in the city center. I’ve been around the area, and it really needs to be reorganized because it is worn out and damaged, especially the exterior, which significantly disrupts the beauty of Denpasar,” said Koster in Sambiran Village, Buleleng.
The two-term Governor claims that he has asked the Head of the Public Works and Housing Department of Bali to conduct a study and create a renovation plan, including revising the roadmap that was previously designed.
“I had asked for it to be adjusted again. There was already an earlier program, which is great for small-medium enterprises, but in order not to burden the budget, it will be partnered with third parties so that it can be productive,” he added.
The politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) hopes that Ngurah Rai sport hall will be improved soon. He is committed to seriously revitalizing the facility, making it a priority, and including space for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises inside.
Set to Become an International-Standard Arena
According to Balipos, Head of the Education, Youth, and Sports Office in Bali Province, IKN Boy Jayawibawa, revealed that Ngurah Rai Sport Hall is currently managed by his office, replacing the previous management by National Sports Committee of Indonesia in Bali.
“Previously, National Sports Committee of Indonesia in Bali rented it, but now it is managed by Education, Youth, and Sports Office in Bali,” Jayawibawa explained.
He continued, initially, Ngurah Rai sport hall was planned for rehabilitation under Governor Wayan Koster’s first term. Comprehensive renovation was planned, similar to sports halls in Jakarta.
“There was already a master plan,” he added.
However, the plan was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the economy.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of KONI Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Oka Darmawan, stated that Ngurah Rai sport hall holds significant historical value.
“The land area of six hectares in the middle of the city is extraordinary, allowing for the optimization of sports,” he said.
Ngurah Rai sport hall area has several facilities, including the Lila Bhuana Sports Hall and the Ngurah Rai Stadium.
“There are football fields and also basketball courts,” Oka Darmawan noted.
His team hopes that improvements to the Ngurah Rai sport hall area can be done in an effort to enhance the achievements of local athletes. According to him, the master plan for the rehabilitation of Ngurah Rai sport hall already exists and needs to be revisited to align with the current state of sports development.
“We hope Ngurah Rai sport hall meets international standards, which will encourage more people to come. For example, the current athletics track has 6 lanes, while an international-standard track should have 8 lanes,” he concluded.
