TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bali Governor Wayan Koster met Jakarta's Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono to seek a solution for Bali's traffic congestion issue. The governor planned to develop rail-based public transportation, such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
"One of the main problems in Bali is traffic congestion, especially in Badung Regency and Denpasar. That is why we start looking into public transportation, one of which is rail-based transportation," said Koster in Jakarta City Hall on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Heru Budi said that the government of Jakarta is inclined to help Bali in developing the MRT and the LRT. Heru and Koster signed an agreement concerning the development of regional potentials and public service between Jakarta and Bali. "This has been ongoing since Jokowi's days. The environment may be different in Bali, but I believe we have similar rhythms," said Heru.
According to Heru, MRT also faced rejections and discourses at the start of its development. However, MRT is quite popular these days. "It is easier to develop these days, the example is ready with MRT and LRT, so choose the one suitable to Bali," he added.
Regarding the ticket price, Heru cede the decision to Bali entirely. According to him, Wayan Koster has a deeper understanding of the people in his region. "The nature of public transportation in Jakarta is a service for the public but Bali also has the tourists to consider. The ticket price should reflect reality," Heru said.
"It will be easier to determine the price than in Jakarta," he added.
Meanwhile, Wayan Koster said that Bali needs to learn from Jakarta to overcome traffic congestion issues, which will be implemented with some adjustments to fit the condition in Bali.
MUTIA YUANTISYA
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