South Korea Gifts Bali Ten Electric Buses to Enhance Sustainable Tourism

Bali, Indonesia – April 12, 2025 – The Bali Provincial Government has received a significant boost in its transportation infrastructure with the donation of ten electric buses from the South Korean Ministry of Environment. This initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable travel in Bali, aligns with the region’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices in tourism.

The symbolic handover of the first bus took place on April 10, 2025, during a ceremony attended by Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, and South Korean Deputy Environmental Minister, Lee Byung-hwa. The bus, a 12-meter electric vehicle, was gifted as part of a grant from South Korea, which also includes specialized charging equipment needed to support the new fleet.

Governor Koster expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing Bali’s status as a province focused on sustainable policies. He highlighted previous legislative efforts, such as Bali Governor Regulation Number 45 of 2019, which supports clean energy initiatives, alongside Regulation Number 48 of 2019, which promotes the use of battery-based electric vehicles.

"It is important to recognize that Bali is dedicated to environmentally friendly policies," Koster stated. His remarks reflected the province’s ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing public transport.

While the electric buses represent a significant advancement for Bali, Governor Koster noted that there will be a brief wait before the entire fleet is operational. "What we requested were 8-meter long buses, smaller in size to suit the conditions on the roads in Bali. It is estimated that it will only be completed in the next 7-8 months, so it might be possible in early 2026," he mentioned.

The total value of the donated fleet, which will be painted in red, white, and black, amounts to IDR 75 billion (approximately $5 million). The Bali Provincial Government is currently finalizing bus routes to optimize accessibility for residents and tourists alike. Preliminary maps indicate that the new routes will connect key areas such as Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, ensuring access to popular tourist destinations as well as local educational institutions.

In addition to the electric bus service, Bali is expanding its public transport options. The Mayor of Denpasar, IGN Jaya Negara, recently announced plans for a free shuttle bus service to operate in Sanur, designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. This service will utilize low carbon emission vehicles and will run every 10 minutes, functioning as a feeder service to the upcoming TransDewata Metro Service.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to maintaining affordable public transportation options for all. He remarked on the cost benefits of electric over fossil fuel-powered travel, noting that a round-trip with an electric vehicle can save substantial amounts in fuel costs compared to traditional vehicles.

As Bali prepares to welcome the electric bus fleet, additional measures to improve connectivity are also being implemented across the region. In an effort to ease road congestion, it was announced that a new fast boat service between Serangan in Denpasar and Banyuwangi in East Java will commence in June 2025. This improvement aims to provide tourists with more efficient and cost-effective travel options, alleviating the challenges posed by frequent road traffic delays.

The introduction of electric buses, alongside expanded public transport services, demonstrates Bali’s proactive approach to enhancing sustainable tourism while catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike. With these initiatives, Bali is not only positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly tourism but also enhancing the overall travel experience on the island.