As reported by Beritabali.com, the Regent of Gianyar, Bali, I Made Mahayastra, has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the chronic traffic congestion that affects the Central Bali community of Ubud.
Mahayestra admitted that blame for the traffic congestion, one of the least attractive features of Ubud as a popular tourist destination, can’t be laid at the feet of any single cause. He freely admitted that numerous causes contribute to Ubud’s epic traffic jams, including narrow roadways and a phenomenal increase in the number of vehicles traveling local roadways.
Speaking following a meeting on the 2025 Regional Budget at the Gianyar Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) on Monday, 28 February 2025, the Gianyar Regent said: “We can’t attribute traffic congestion to just one sector. Frankly, our roads are in poor condition, while the increase in vehicles, both privately owned and for public transportation, is extraordinary.”
To address traffic congestion, the Regional Government of Gianyar has announced several solutions, both short-term and long-term in nature. One program provides for funding via the 2025 budget to widen roads in Ubud and the surrounding areas. “We have budgeted to acquire land starting from Peliatan, extending to areas to the north and east. This is costing tens of billions of rupiahs. The execution of the road widening has begun, with some homes being demolished to allow for wider roads,” explained Mahayestra
One area identified as in crucial need of widening is near the Arjuna Statue Intersection. In the past, the road in this area was only for one-way traffic. The Administration plans to convert this to two-way traffic as a means to prevent gridlock and traffic jams.
Mahayastra said that the Gianyar Administration has allocated Rp. 220 billion, a significant increase from last year’s allocation of Rp. 140 billion. “From this allocated amount, 80 specific traffic points have been identified and will be addressed, including widening roadways by 3-4 meters. This will do much to improve traffic flow,” said the Regent.
Continuing, the Regent said road improvements will be made on Jalan Raya Ambengan in Ubud. Several homes will be relocated and demolished to permit road widening.
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