Traffic Congestion Worsens in South Bali as Bypass Road Loses Function, Expert Calls for Infrastructure Upgrades

According to a report from Denpasar, Jos Dharmawan, owner of the classic car facility Kebon Vintage Cars, said on August 8 that while new malls and tourist destinations in Bali are positive for tourism, the government needs to address road infrastructure, traffic management, and environmental cleanliness alongside such development.

He pointed to worsening congestion on major roads in southern Bali that serve as access routes to Ngurah Rai International Airport. The bypass road, once known for being clear, now experiences near-constant traffic jams in areas such as Sanur and Pesanggaran, losing its function as a smooth alternative route. As a result, travelers now need to allow extra time when heading to the airport.

Dharmawan also noted growing congestion on Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Road, a key route to eastern Bali, and urged the government to consider road-widening projects now, while land is still available, rather than waiting until the area becomes too dense for land acquisition. He warned that congestion is inevitable if vehicle numbers keep rising without corresponding increases in road capacity.

As a leader of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian classic car enthusiasts association (PPMKI), Dharmawan said the group tries to minimize its own traffic impact by choosing less congested routes and timing for parades and touring events. Separately, the group held a parade to Bedugul on August 9 to mark Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, with around 240 vehicles expected to participate.