Construction on the critical infrastructure project of a 98,6-kilometer-long Toll Road connecting the West Bali Port of Gilimanyk and Mengwi has been stalled since September 2022, purportedly linked to funding issues.
The stalled toll road project was one of the topics addressed by the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko Infra), Agung Hatimurti Yudhoyo (AHY).
Balipost.com and the State News Agency Antara said the newly installed Presidential Cabinet of President Prabowo Subianto is actively looking into the fate of the roadway formally inaugurated two years ago.
Commenting on the work ahead for the newly installed Presidential Cabinet, AHY confirmed that from the very beginning, there has been a desire to obtain a complete and thorough understanding of all their responsibilities to analyze main responsibilities, including, for instance, expenditures.
AHY said his office will closely examine development steps and the track record of large infrastructure projects to comprehend any problems and challenges. Adding: “We will monitor any remaining problems, including issues connected to stalled projects, unfinished construction, and budget constraints.”
Separately, the Minister of Public Works (PU), Dody Hanggodo, said the toll road project would continue and eventually be completed.
The former Minister of Public Works, Basuki Hadimuljono, had earlier said the lack of funding for the road project would compel the Government to solicit private funding for the roadway. Initially, plans were for the tollway to be built by private investors or a state-owned company.
Because of the construction impasse, the Bali toll road is now being re-tendered in search of a new investor.
Meanwhile, the government is exploring initiatives for a government-to-business collaboration (KPBU).
Once a suitable investor is identified, the Government will sign a contract to allow the tollway to progress towards completion.
More than two years ago, on Saturday, 10 September 2022, the then Public Works Minister, Basuki Hadimuljono, laid the cornerstone of the 96.84-kilometer roadway.
The stalled roadway project crosses 13 subdistricts (kecamataan) and 58 villages. Initially, the total cost of the project was projected at Rp. 24.6 trillion.
Related Links
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