DENPASAR, BALINEWS – The Bali chapter of the Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online/IWO) held its monthly discussion forum, #NgopiSantuy, featuring Nyoman Suyasa, ST, Chairman of Commission III of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD), as the guest speaker. The discussion, held at a modest coffee shop in Denpasar on Friday (October 30, 2026), focused on the development of tourism and infrastructure in Bali.
Organized under the leadership of IWO Bali Provincial Chairperson Tri Widiyanti, the event served as a discussion platform and a channel for conveying public concerns through the media.
During the discussion, Suyasa highlighted Bali's rapid tourism growth and stressed that it must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure, effective spatial planning controls, and sustainable natural resource management.
He noted that Bali welcomed approximately 7.05 million international visitors in 2025. In 2026, international arrivals are projected to increase to between 7.1 million and 7.2 million. Including domestic tourists, total annual visits could reach approximately 16 million.
According to Suyasa, the increase in tourist arrivals is a source of pride for Bali. However, continued tourism growth also presents significant challenges to the capacity and readiness of the island's infrastructure.
"When discussing the development of Bali's tourism sector in relation to infrastructure, we cannot focus solely on road construction or increasing road capacity. More important issues include controlling spatial development, managing land use, and protecting water resources," Suyasa said during the discussion.
He also expressed concern over worsening traffic congestion, particularly in southern Bali. He attributed the situation to the growing number of tourists and increasing local mobility, which have outpaced the capacity of the existing road network.
With road infrastructure remaining relatively unchanged, the island must accommodate increasing movements of tourists, logistics vehicles, and local residents. Suyasa said this situation requires serious attention through integrated infrastructure planning and development.
Several possible solutions to traffic congestion were also discussed, including the development of mass public transportation, a proposed tram system, road widening, and improved logistics traffic management.
As the DPRD commission responsible for development-related matters, including public works, urban planning, transportation, housing, environmental affairs, energy, licensing, and forestry, Commission III is expected to play a strategic role in encouraging solutions to these challenges.
The discussion also addressed the need for concrete measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday period, commonly known in Indonesia as Natal dan Tahun Baru (Nataru). Coordination with the Transportation Agency was highlighted as an important step in anticipating increased vehicle movements during the holiday season.
One proposal raised during the discussion was to redirect logistics vehicle routes to reduce traffic congestion in heavily visited tourism areas. However, such a measure could potentially increase travel times for goods distribution.
IWO Bali Provincial Chairperson Tri Widiyanti said that #NgopiSantuy was designed as a monthly discussion program featuring influential figures in Bali as guest speakers.
Through an informal yet substantive discussion format, IWO Bali aims to establish open communication between journalists, government representatives, and other stakeholders while addressing current issues affecting the community.
The event was also attended by the chairperson and representatives of IWO Denpasar City, the chairperson and representatives of IWO Badung Regency, as well as IWO Bali administrators and members.
The forum also provides IWO journalists with opportunities to explore public policy issues in greater depth, discuss the activities and responsibilities of public officials, and raise critical questions representing the interests and concerns of the Balinese community.
Held in a relaxed setting over cups of traditional Balinese coffee, #NgopiSantuy is expected to become a productive, critical, and sustainable platform for public discussion, helping to monitor development and safeguard the future of Bali's tourism industry.
