South Korea Gifts Bali 10 Electric Buses to Promote Sustainable Tourism

April 12, 2025

In a significant step towards enhancing sustainable travel in Bali, the provincial government received ten electric buses from the South Korean Ministry of Environment. This initiative is aimed at keeping tourist hotspots accessible while reducing the environmental impact of transportation on the island.

Formal Reception

On April 10, Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially accepted the first of the fleet during a ceremony attended by the South Korean Deputy Environmental Minister, Lee Byung-hwa. The 12-meter electric bus serves as a symbol of the ongoing commitment to promoting cleaner transport options in Bali.

However, the delivery of the remaining buses will take more time, with Governor Koster indicating that the larger buses requested were not ready yet. He stated, “What we requested were 8-meter-long buses, and 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.”

Environmental Commitment

The governor also highlighted the province’s commitment to environmentally friendly policies, citing two recent regulations aimed at fostering clean energy and the use of electric motor vehicles. "Bali is seen as a province that implements environmentally friendly policies," Koster said.

The newly acquired fleet will be painted in red, white, and black and is valued at IDR 75 billion. South Korea has included in the grant the necessary charging infrastructure to ensure the efficient operation of these electric buses.

Planned Routes and Additional Services

Details regarding the bus routes are still being finalized, but initial plans outline connections between important areas, including Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. These routes are designed to serve key tourist attractions and educational institutions.

This new bus service, supported by the electric buses donated by South Korea, will complement other public transport initiatives across the island. Recently, the Mayor of Denpasar, IGN Jaya Negara, announced plans for a free shuttle bus service around the popular resort area of Sanur to alleviate traffic congestion and promote low-emission transport options.

Commitment to Affordability

Governor Koster assured the public that fares for the electric bus service would be kept low to encourage usage among locals and tourists alike. He emphasized the importance of accessible public transport, noting that he utilizes an electric vehicle for official business. Koster compared costs, stating that a round trip in a fossil fuel-powered vehicle from Denpasar to Buleleng Regency would be around IDR 600,000, while his electric car incurs a much lower cost of IDR 131,000. ## Future Travel Options

While the new electric buses are not expected to be operational for another several months, Bali is set to improve its transport offerings sooner with the introduction of a fast boat service. Scheduled to commence around June 2025, this service will connect Denpasar with East Java, providing an efficient alternative to road travel, which often suffers from heavy congestion.

As Bali continues to focus on sustainable tourism and transportation solutions, these initiatives represent a commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty while enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Conclusion

The donation of electric buses from South Korea marks a progressive step for Bali towards embracing sustainable public transport. The full impact of this initiative will depend on its implementation and community engagement in utilizing these services, all while keeping the picturesque island’s tourism thriving.