DENPASAR ~

Bali provincial government wants the central government can finance the railway development surrounding the island to be used for tourism purposes.

“We appeal to the central government that state-owned enterprises (BUMN) can build it later,” said Head of Regional Development Planning Board (Bappeda) of Bali Putu Astawa in Denpasar on Friday.

According to him, the train development is for the sake of tourism so the passengers can get off at various attractions.

“Building a railway line requires substantial funds, besides at every intersection should be a place for officer to guard the train that cross,” he said.

Currently, Astawa added, in the Department of Transportation is being carried out a study of how much land is needed for the intersection points around Bali.

“Later, if there is a study then the fund will be allocated, whether using the state budget, private, or others. Because it will be hard to rely on the regional budget,” he said.

Astawa added, the train development has been included in National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN).

Previously related to the discussion of the railway construction, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika also mentioned the plan to the BUMN minister Rini Soemarno during a visit to Denpasar and is expected to be realized. Likewise, Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini have shared her experiences and suggestions in arranging transportation system in the region when invited to Bappeda Bali.

Associated with the idea of building a system of Railways Revitalization in Bali, according Risma, it is quite feasible because by train, small shops remain viable and other modes of transport can still be maintained.

At that meeting, several legislators Bali even ask Risma to be a consultant to follow up the development plan system of Railways Revitalization in Bali. “I am ready to help and do not need to be a consultant, because Bali is an Indonesian pride,” said Risma.