DENPASAR, BALINEWS — Amid fuel supply concerns reported by residents across Bali since October 11, 2026, Bali Governor Wayan Koster has urged the public to switch to electric vehicles. His remarks came during the launch of electric buses and electric vehicle charging stations donated under the Bali E-Mobility Project at Bajra Sandhi Monument Square in Renon, Denpasar, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The event was also attended by National Development Planning Minister and National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Head Rachmat Pambudy.
In his speech, Koster claimed that electric car sales in Bali were continuing to rise, although growth in the adoption of electric motorcycles remained relatively limited.
“Minister, I would like to report that electric car sales in Bali are continuing to increase. However, growth in the two-wheeler segment has not been as significant,” Koster said.
He encouraged residents to switch to battery-powered electric vehicles to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
Koster also highlighted the potential cost savings offered by electric vehicles. He cited a round trip between Denpasar and Singaraja, which he said could cost approximately Rp500,000 using a conventional fuel-powered vehicle, compared with around Rp140,000 using an electric car.
However, Koster did not provide detailed calculations or supporting sales figures during his speech.
Tri Widiyanti, chairwoman of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO) Bali, questioned the push for electric vehicles while residents continued to report difficulties obtaining fuel, particularly Pertalite, Pertamax, and Pertamax Turbo.
The reported shortages have prompted long queues at several fuel stations since October 11. The Bali provincial government has also introduced fuel-purchasing restrictions, including an odd-even license plate system for Pertalite purchases.
On October 16, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia reportedly said during a visit to the Pesanggaran fuel depot that Bali's Pertalite reserves were estimated to last 12–15 days. That estimate reflects the situation at the time and should not be interpreted as a confirmed remaining supply period for October 22.
Widiyanti questioned whether Bali was adequately prepared to expand electric vehicle adoption, particularly in terms of charging infrastructure and electricity supply.
“Nevertheless, the transition to electric vehicles requires charging infrastructure and public readiness. So, is Bali ready?” she asked.
She urged the provincial government to ensure that the electric bus and charging station initiative went beyond a ceremonial launch and was supported by concrete policies and reliable energy supplies.
“Electricity supply, in particular, must also be taken into account by the Bali provincial government if it truly wants to promote energy independence through electricity,” she said.
The launch of electric buses and charging stations under the Bali E-Mobility Project marks an effort to expand electric transportation in Bali. However, the success of the transition will depend on adequate infrastructure, reliable electricity supplies, public affordability, and sustainable energy policies.
