Indonesia government is currently exploring the development of a new transportation mode in Bali: water taxis.
Secretary of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Lollan Andy Sutomo Panjaitan, stated that the main goal of this initiative is to reduce traffic congestion, particularly for routes to and from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
“This water taxi program is an alternative to reduce traffic congestion. Other programs will continue as part of our planning efforts to ease congestion in Bali, especially from the airport to tourist destinations like Canggu,” said Lollan at the office of Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday (August 5, 2025).
He explained that licensing procedures are currently being accelerated, including coordination between ministries and agencies, to ease collaboration between the central and regional governments.
This also includes permits from other institutions such as environmental and marine spatial use licenses.
“But the most important thing is a comprehensive study. We need in-depth assessments on socio-cultural aspects and interconnectivity especially concerning sea contours, marine factors, and the natural layout which must all be taken into consideration along with the projected impacts. Hopefully, we can find a suitable location with manageable environmental effects,” Lollan said.
He also noted that many factors are being considered, including economic feasibility studies for construction and operational costs.
“There are also socio-cultural aspects in Bali that need to be taken into account, things like local regulations, religious sites, and other rules that must be complied with. That’s why ongoing coordination is crucial,” he added, as quoted from Kompas.com.
Cut Down Travel Time
The Ministry of Transportation is planning to operate water taxis from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to popular tourist areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu. Lollan Andy Sutomo stated that using water taxis could cut down travel time from 2 hours to just 20 minutes.
“If we look at current indications, traveling by land takes around 1 to 2 hours. Based on early projections, traveling by sea could hopefully be done in just 20 minutes,” he said during the press briefing at the Ministry’s Jakarta office on Tuesday (August 5, 2025).
He also mentioned that his department has already begun cross-agency collaboration, including with local governments. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has been appointed as the operator, while Udayana University has been tasked with providing research support.
He added that the bureaucratic process is being accelerated to implement the water taxi program.
“Synchronization between national and regional programs has been established. And in terms of other matters like construction permits especially those under the Ministry of Transportation we are ready to facilitate the process to speed things up,” he said.
Working with the Ministry of Tourism
Previously, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhy presented the plan to develop a water taxi system along Bali’s western coastline.
The service would run from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport area (Sekeh Beach) to Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Seminyak Beach, Canggu Beach, and all the way to Uluwatu Beach.
The operation is aimed at supporting the growth of domestic tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.
“The use of water taxis will cut down travel time from the airport to tourism destinations, improve mobility, and provide direct access to various tourist spots. It will also ease traffic congestion on land and offer an alternative mode of transportation for both locals and tourists,” said the Minister in a press release on Tuesday (February 4, 2025).
Sources: CNBC Indonesia, Kompas.com
Feat Image: via Pelindo