DENPASAR, kanalbali.id – The Australian Government has taken an active role on the attempt to improve Bali public transportation quality.
The Australian government has assisted Bali on the study of public transportation needs in the Sarbagita area (Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan) through the Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT) and the Ulapan Mobility Plan (UMP).
The study result has been officially handed over by the Australian Government to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia at the Wiswa Sabha Utama Building, Bali Governor’s Office in Denpasar, on Monday (16/12).
Acting Governor of Bali, S.M. Mahendra Jaya, on that occasion invited all stakeholders at the central level, Bali Province, Denpasar City, Badung Regency, Gianyar, and Tabanan, to improve the image of transportation in the Sarbagita Area through mutual cooperation or “Ngrombo”.
This requires commitment and large resources, starting from land acquisition, infrastructure development, procurement of facilities, to financing services.
“If we do not act immediately to fix it, this condition will get worse and eventually cause economic losses, energy waste, decreased tourism competitiveness, and increased stress, respiratory diseases, and other disorders that lead to a decrease in the quality of life of the community,” he explained.
Mahendra Jaya also appreciated the Australian Government through the Indonesia Australia Partnership for Infrastructure (KIAT), which has supported various transportation studies in Bali.
The studies include the preparation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for the Sarbagita Metropolitan Area, the Sarbagita Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT) study, the Ulapan Mobility Plan, and the Kuta Circulator.
Australian Consul General, Jo Stevens, stated that the Australian Government will continue to support the development of transportation in Indonesia to be more inclusive and accessible to all groups.
“Australia has supported through a feasibility study to determine the feasibility of the Sarbagita project on the planned routes,” Stevens said.
Stevens also hopes that the transfer of knowledge that has been carried out so far can be beneficial for Indonesia, especially Bali. Stevens added that his country is developing a strategy to support equality for people with disabilities.
“We continue to support equal rights for people with disabilities, and focus on women and vulnerable groups, by implementing the policy into public transportation,” he said.
She also proposed the use of zero-emission transportation to prevent congestion, in line with global commitments regarding global warming. (kanalbali/TIM)
Be the first to comment