New South Bali Ring Road Welcomed, But More Infrastructure Needed to Unlock the Island’s Full Potential
By Jamie McIntyre
Political Commentator, Founder of Australian National Review and Co-Founder of LUX Property Group
The commencement of South Bali’s long-awaited 10-kilometre West Ring Road is welcome news for residents, businesses and the tourism industry.
The project, designed to improve connectivity between Uluwatu, Jimbaran, GWK and Pecatu while easing chronic congestion, is a positive step for one of Indonesia’s most important tourism destinations.
According to Australian National Review political commentator and LUX Property Group co-founder Jamie McIntyre, the investment is long overdue.
“It’s good to finally see major infrastructure projects being delivered in South Bali. Better late than never. But the reality is this is only the beginning. Bali needs significantly more investment in roads, transport infrastructure and long-term planning if it’s going to keep up with tourism growth.”
McIntyre said infrastructure has become one of the biggest considerations when LUX Property Group evaluates where to invest.
“People often ask why LUX hasn’t built projects in Uluwatu, despite it being one of Bali’s most spectacular locations,” he said.
“The answer is simple. Uluwatu is fantastic to visit and many people dream of living there, but thousands of apartments and villas are coming onto the market while traffic in many areas is already close to gridlock.”
“As a developer, you have to think about your guests’ experience. Why build luxury villas if visitors spend hours sitting in traffic trying to reach them? Accessibility matters.”
Instead, LUX Property Group focused much of its Bali investment around Seminyak, where existing infrastructure provides better connectivity.
“Our LUX Village developments and Hotel K Seminyak benefit from the Sunset Road corridor, allowing relatively quick access to Ngurah Rai International Airport while also being centrally located for travel to Canggu, Legian, Kuta and many other popular destinations.”
“Seminyak continues to offer an excellent balance between accessibility, lifestyle and investment potential.”
McIntyre stressed that Uluwatu still has enormous long-term potential, but believes infrastructure investment must continue.
“We’re pleased to see the West Ring Road progressing because it’s exactly the type of investment Bali needs. But additional roads and transport solutions will still be required as visitor numbers continue growing.”
He said the contrast becomes evident when comparing Bali with neighbouring Lombok.
“One of Lombok’s major attractions is that much of its infrastructure is newer, congestion is considerably lower, and there is significant room for carefully planned growth.”
LUX Property Group is currently progressing its Nesara Bay City master-planned eco city in South Lombok, where improved infrastructure and long-term planning form part of the project’s vision.
McIntyre also recently visited Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, and said he was impressed by the scale of infrastructure already under construction.
“The infrastructure being built in Nusantara is extraordinary. If the government continues delivering its vision and opens the city to business, investment and tourism, it has the potential to become one of the world’s great modern planned cities.”
LUX Property Group was recently invited by Indonesia’s Capital City Authority to submit further detailed information regarding its proposal to develop an eco-resort, convention centre and master-planned mini city featuring a man-made beach within the Nusantara region.
The company has also attracted widespread attention across Indonesian media after proposing that Indonesia consider developing six new modern master-planned cities across the archipelago to accommodate future population growth, stimulate regional economic development and attract international investment.
As Bali continues to break tourism records and Indonesia invests billions into new national infrastructure, McIntyre believes one message is becoming increasingly clear.
“World-class destinations require world-class infrastructure. Bali has built one of the world’s strongest tourism brands. Now it needs the transport network to match.”
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