Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Transportation is pushing for the rapid development of water taxis and piers in Bali to enhance connectivity and boost the island’s appeal to tourists.”The Ministry of Transportation is coordinating efforts to accelerate the development of tourism transportation in Bali,” Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated in Jakarta on Thursday.According to him, water taxis serve as an alternative solution to integrate land, sea, and air transportation while reducing traffic congestion, particularly in Badung District.Currently, state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is drafting the detailed engineering design. Construction is scheduled to take place from August 2026 to July 2027.Purwagandhi explained that the water taxis will connect Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with Canggu, one of the tourist areas in Bali.Observations show that travel by land from the airport to Canggu takes between one and two hours.”However, using a water taxi is expected to take a maximum of 30 minutes,” the minister added.Furthermore, the ministry is constructing piers at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng District. Purwagandhi noted that Pier I is designed to handle general cargo and liquid bulk asphalt, with an extension of approximately 92 meters.Pier II will be developed as a multipurpose facility serving passengers, general cargo, and dry bulk, with an additional length of about 60 meters.He explained that the development is carried out following an evaluation aimed at providing an alternative port to ensure that heavy and light vehicle traffic remain separate.As a short-term solution, the minister has also asked state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) to carry out port development, especially at Ketapang Port – which links Bali and Java – and to open new piers at Gilimanuk Port.Furthermore, the minister is seeking the designation of a sister port to receive vessels from Ketapang, alongside the provision of a buffer zone to anticipate heavy traffic flow, especially during holiday seasons.​​​​​​​Purwagandhi hoped these strategic measures would be realized soon to strengthen connectivity, streamline passenger mobility and logistics, and reduce traffic congestion while enhancing transportation services in tourism areas.