Bali’s Trans Metro Dewata Suspended Indefinitely Due to Funding Withdrawal
Bali’s most widely used public bus service, Trans Metro Dewata, has been indefinitely suspended due to a lack of operational funding. The 2025 State Budget has eliminated subsidies for this vital service, effectively placing it on hold.
Bali Authorities Seek Funding Solutions
Leaders in Bali are urgently searching for solutions to restore the essential public bus service. According to Gde Wayan Samsi Gunarta, the Head of the Bali Transportation Office, the Bali Provincial Government is committed to bringing back the six Trans Metro Dewata routes within fiscal capacity constraints.
Gunarta stated, “The Bali Provincial Government is negotiating with the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia to allocate funds for the Trans Metro Dewata service in collaboration with Regency/City Governments.”
Local Government Contributions Needed
Rai Ridartha from the Indonesian Transportation Society’s Bali branch emphasized the importance of collective funding from the local and regional governments affected by the bus suspension. He proposed a collaborative effort, suggesting each of the five regions—Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Tabanan, and the province—contribute to the annual budget of IDR 80 billion.
“If divided equally, each would contribute IDR 16 billion,” Ridartha explained. “This can be a viable solution, especially considering Badung’s strong economy, which could lighten the burden on other regions.”
Operator’s Views and Moving Forward
The Operational Manager of Trans Metro Dewata, Ida Bagus Eka Budi, expressed hope that the service would resume soon. He will brief all employees on Teman Bus services and community information in Ubung.
Bali’s Acting Governor eagerly supports the initiative, having written to the Ministry of Transportation. Current Governor Koster also backs the resumption of Trans Metro Dewata, underscoring its significance.
I Ketut Edi Dharmaputra, Head of Trans Metro Dewata Bus Operation, mentioned, “Intense communication has taken place. Both the Acting and Elected Governors are supportive of maintaining Trans Metro Dewata.”
