Bali, 9 May 2023- The Bali Shortcut Renovation Initiative is making a comeback to solve the notorious congestion problem in the Canggu, Umalas, and Seminyak areas of Bali. The Bali community of Brawa, Umalas, Pererenan, and beyond are collaborating to transform Gang Manggo into a high-quality bypass route. The project is set to be completed by 2023 with the support and approval from PUPR.

The project is expected to ease traffic in the area, which has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists and residents coming to Bali every year. According to Ngurah Rai Airport traffic data, the number of foreign visitors has increased dramatically from 1,000 to 10,000 visitors per day since the re-enactment of VOA (Visa On Arrival). This data does not include the number of domestic tourists from the surrounding provinces of Indonesia, which has increased by at least 60% since 2021.

To tackle this issue, the Bali community of local and foreign individuals, investors, and business owners are looking for a proper solution to overcome the congestion problem in the area. Gang Manggo, located between Umalas and Berawa, is being transformed into an alternative route to reduce congestion in the Tibubeneng Village area. Currently, Gang Manggo is a 1.5-meter-wide subak road in disrepair and unsafe for motorbike riders due to its narrowness and potholes. However, thousands of motorbikes use it every day as an alternative route to avoid congestion on other routes.

"I am honored to have played a role in bringing the Bali Shortcut Renovation Initiative to life by bridging the gap between the community and landowners. Without their support, this project would not have been possible. My role as the Kelian Banjar of the Tegalgundul Office was to act as a liaison between the community and the landowners to donate land for the widening of the Mango Gang route and support the initiative. I believe that this project will significantly ease traffic congestion in the Canggu, Umalas, and Seminyak areas, which has become a major problem for Bali residents and tourists alike." Said Mr. I Wayan Surianto, the Kelian Banjar of the Tegalgundul Office

The plan is to widen this 333-meter road from 1.5 meters to 3.5 to 5 meters with a proper road surface, based on the professional specifications and requirements for this type of road. The project is fueled by contributions from the business community who are committed to building a safe and comfortable route for Bali residents. The government supports 50% of the initiative while the community, including Atlas, supports the remaining 50%. The project is expected to be completed before the end of May 2023. Depending on all the permissions and technical requirements and approvals, this route might be accessible for cars with the permission of the village.