I have instructed officials to be serious about the construction process, particularly officials in the Jembrana, Tabanan, and Badung districts, which must focus and be sincere in their works to ensure the project would be smooth and blessed by the u
Jembrana, Bali (ANTARA) - J Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono expects the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road in Bali to be completed by 2025 and pressed for efforts to complete the construction that was expedited.

"I expect that the 96.21-kilometre toll road to be completed soon because it is in the residents' interest (that the toll road is completed) in 2025," Hadimuljono stated in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the toll road here, Saturday.

The minister expressed concern that if the toll road is completed on the planned time, currently designated in 2028, other projects in the province, such as a botanical garden and a golf course, could be hampered.

Responding to Hadimuljono's instruction, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said that he had instructed relevant authorities, particularly the Chief Executive of the toll road development, Tito Sulistyo, to expedite the toll road development.


Related news: Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road to have special bicycle lane: Minister

"I have instructed officials to be serious about the construction process, particularly officials in the Jembrana, Tabanan, and Badung districts, which must focus and be sincere in their works to ensure the project would be smooth and blessed by the universe," Koster said.

The governor also expounded that the Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road, to be known as Jagat Kerthi toll road, is expected to become a facility to benefit and enhance the residents' well-being.

Related news: SOEs to build solar plant along Bali Mandara Toll Road


He added that the toll road development would not disrupt places considered holy by residents and rice fields where the indigenous irrigation system called subak is implemented.

"Those benefits are increasing the development investment, job opportunities, logistic transport efficiency, and could trigger the development of new (tourism) destinations and economic centres, and facilitate equitable development in Bali regions," he remarked.

The Gilimanuk-Mengwi toll road will cross three districts and 13 sub-districts and would include motorcycle and bicycle lanes. The total budget required for the project is expected at Rp24 trillion (US$1.6 billion).

Related news: G20: Tumpek Wayang aligns with Bali's goal to be energy-independent

Related news: Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road to improve connectivity in Bali: official

Translator: Ni Putu Putri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022