Ari Askhara has officially stepped down from his role as President Director of PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya, the company appointed to lead the Bali Urban Subway LRT project.
Despite this, the future of the project remains a priority for the Bali Provincial Government.
Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta confirmed that the rail-based public transportation project will proceed, even with Ari’s resignation.
“We will coordinate it later. It’s a very good alternative,” Giri said on Tuesday (July 15, 2025).
He also revealed ongoing discussions with Danantara, which involve plans for an MRT system.
“Now with Danantara and its promises, they’re also communicating about MRT. Who ends up taking it on will be a business-to-business decision,” he added.
Giri stated that all updates regarding the project would be brought directly to Bali Governor Wayan Koster for approval and policy direction.
“As the government, especially as the Deputy Governor, we will present it to the Governor. If he agrees, we’ll move forward. I think this transportation project is important,” he emphasized.
Aims to Revolutionize Island Mobility
Furthermore, Giri underlined the importance of integrating land and sea transport systems in Bali. He introduced the concept of a “sea toll,” not as a physical road over water, but as a modern boat-based transportation service connecting key points across the island.
“This includes the sea toll, and I don’t mean a dead concept. It’s not about building a road over the sea. It means providing large or small high-quality boats as infrastructure,” he explained.
He offered an example of tourists arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport being transported directly to destinations like Canggu or Seminyak by sea rather than by road.
“For instance, when someone lands at Ngurah Rai Airport, they don’t need to use asphalt roads. They could go directly by boat to Canggu or Seminyak. So no need for road infrastructure anymore,” he said.
According to him, this system could also support the development of emerging tourism destinations like Amed in Karangasem.
“For example, if we’re developing Amed, Karangasem, then from the airport there must be a sea toll directly to Amed, not by land,” he stated.
Giri emphasized that transportation development in Bali must be integrated and aligned with the grand vision of building a better, more advanced province.
“That’s it. Bali must be integrated. And we’re committed to making Bali better than it is today. We will prove that Koster-Giri is for the Bali Province we all love,” he concluded.
Searching for Replacement
Meanwhile,Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya’s Commissioner, Ngakan Putu Dodi Miharjana, confirmed Ari Askhara’s resignation.
“Yes, it’s true. Mr. Ari Askhara has submitted his resignation as President Director of PT SBDJ for personal reasons, and we have officially accepted it,” he explained
Dodi noted that the company respects Ari’s decision and is currently processing his resignation while searching for a replacement.
“Right now, PT Sarana Bali Dwipa Jaya is processing Mr. Ari’s resignation and preparing a successor according to corporate governance,” he added.
He assured that the Bali Subway LRT project will continue as planned. “Our main focus remains on ensuring the smooth progress of the Bali Subway project,” he stated. The project is expected to be funded through private investment without government financial assistance.
Separately, Bali Regional Secretary Dewa Made Indra clarified that Ari’s past case involving the smuggling of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and Brompton bicycle during his time at Garuda Indonesia has no connection to the LRT project.
“That was a different event during his time as Garuda’s CEO, bringing goods from abroad without following proper procedures. Meanwhile, this is about managing a large company. These are two different matters,” he said retrieved from Kumparan.
Sources: Kompas.com, Kumparan
Feat Image : Ministry of Transportation