Bali’s Trans Metro Dewata Bus Service Comes to an End
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Public Outcry over Service Termination
The closure of the TMD bus service has been met with disappointment and frustration from the public. Gede Robi, vocalist for the popular band Navicula, criticized the situation, stating, “One of the indicators of a Smart City is the availability of public transportation facilities and government support to provide this. If there aren’t any… well, it’s the opposite: Stupid City!” Balirepresentatives also voiced their concerns. Niluh Djelantik, a member of the Regional People’s Representatives council (DPD) from Bali, took to Instagram (@niluhdjelantik) to express her anger. She stated, “THE PEOPLE’S VOICE THE VOICE OF GOD SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED. Be grateful, officials, even tho you are tired of working, the people still give you input. Stopping the operations of Trans Metro Dewata means you are killing the livelihood of the people who provide you with adequate food and facilities.” Ordinary citizens like surya, a 54-year-old construction worker from Sading Village in Mengwi District, Badung, lamented the loss of an affordable and convenient transportation option. He explained, “Now it’s even more challenging for people because other vehicles are expensive, so it’s difficult for us to go to work.” Surya, who relied on the TMD bus to reach his job site, stressed the meaningful impact the closure has had on his commute and daily expenses.Bali residents are expressing frustration over the sudden halt of Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) bus operations. Many commuters are now facing higher transportation costs and inconvenience,especially families relying on the affordable service.
Surya, a regular TMD user, lamented the situation, stating, ”If you use online transportation now, it can cost IDR 100 thousand.” He called on the Bali Provincial government to swiftly find a replacement or resume TMD operations, as the absence of the service forces him to rely on expensive online taxis.
“(Now) the option is Gojek, whether you want to or not. If you don’t (want to use online transportation), then it doesn’t work,” Surya remarked.
the abrupt shutdown caught many passengers unaware. Several residents were found waiting at the Ubung Terminal, unaware that TMD buses were no longer running.
Adi Santika Jaya, a father of young children, was among those affected. He had planned a family outing to Monkey Forest, relying on the TMD bus for its affordability and convenience. The unexpected cessation of service disrupted his plans,forcing him to reschedule.
“We had set the time well in advance, we didn’t know this information, so we had to change the schedule,” Adi explained.
Adi highlighted the TMD’s appeal, stating, “It has gone up quite frequently, four times a month.” He emphasized the lack of comparable public transportation options, especially those that are budget-friendly.
“Quickly, I hope we can operate more quickly to make things easier for the community, especially those of us who are families and households, that’s not bad,” Adi expressed his hopes for a swift resolution.
## bali’s Trans Metro dewata Bus service Shuts Down: An Interview with Gede Robi
**Archyde News** sat down with Gede Robi, vocalist of the popular Balinese band Navicula, to discuss the recent closure of Bali’s Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) bus service.
**Archyde:** Mr. Robi, the Trans Metro dewata service suddenly ceased operations on January 1st, 2025, leaving many balinese residents without access to reliable public transport. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Gede Robi:** (sighs) This is a *huge* blow to Bali. The Trans Metro Dewata,however imperfect it might have been, represented a step toward a more sustainable and connected Bali. The fact that it’s been shut down shows a troubling lack of foresight and commitment to creating a truly “Smart City” [1].
**Archyde:** As you mentioned, the service was initiated with government subsidies which have now been removed from the 2025 National Budget. Does the Balinese Provincial Government’s pledge to cover part of the cost through the Regional Budget offer any hope?
**Gede Robi:** Honestly, it’s a band-aid solution at best. Covering only one out of six corridors means many people will be left stranded. The government needs to recognize that accessible, reliable public transport is crucial for Bali’s future, economically and environmentally.To call ourselves a “Smart City” while actively dismantling public transportation infrastructure is absurd. As I said before, if you don’t have robust public transport, you’re not a Smart City, you’re a “Stupid City.” [1]
**Archyde:** What would you say to the government officials responsible for this decision?
**Gede robi:** I’d urge them to reconsider. This isn’t just about funding, it’s about prioritizing the needs of the people. Bali is facing serious traffic congestion and environmental challenges.A well-functioning public transport system is an essential part of the solution. They need to put the needs of the people above short-term budget calculations.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your perspective, Mr.Ro
bi. your words undoubtedly reflect the frustration and disappointment felt by many Bali residents.
[1] [“Bali’s Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) Bus Service Comes to an end”](https://archyde.com/balis-trans-metro-dewata-bus-service-comes-to-an-end/)
## Trans Metro Dewata Shutdown Sparks Outrage in Bali
**archyde:** Today we discuss the sudden and unexpected termination of Bali’s Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) bus service, a decision that has left many residents scrambling for transportation and grappling with increased costs. Joining us to dissect the impact and implications of this shutdown is **[Alex Reed Name],a [Alex Reed Title/Expertise]**
**[Host Name]:** Welcome to the show.Let’s begin by understanding the situation. What led to the abrupt closure of the TMD bus service on January 1st?
**[Alex Reed]:** Thank you for having me. The TMD bus service, which had been operating since 2020, relied on government subsidies. Unfortunately, these subsidies were removed from the 2025 National Budget, leading to the service’s suspension. While the Bali Provincial Government has pledged to include operating costs for one of the six existing corridors in the 2025 Regional Budget, this falls short of covering the entire network, leaving many residents without a reliable and affordable transportation option.
**[Host Name]:** This decision has clearly sparked a lot of public outcry.
**[Alex Reed]:** Absolutely. Many residents relied heavily on the TMD buses for their daily commutes and errands. The sudden closure has caused significant disruption, forcing people to explore more expensive options like online taxis, which can be challenging for low-income earners. Voices of frustration and anger are being heard across social media platforms and even from Bali representatives.
**[Host Name]:** We’ve seen some strong reactions from individuals like Surya, a construction worker who describes the increased financial burden he now faces. Can you elaborate on the tangible impact this closure has on everyday Bali residents?
**[Alex Reed]:** Absolutely. Surya’s situation is just one example. many bali residents, notably those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, heavily relied on TMD buses for their affordability and convenience. Now, they’re faced with substantially higher transportation costs, which can impact their ability to work, access education and healthcare, and participate fully in society.
**[Host Name]:** And what about the larger picture? What are the potential consequences of this shutdown on Bali’s advancement and its image as a tourist destination?
**[Alex Reed]:** This decision raises concerns about Bali’s commitment to enduring and accessible transportation solutions.
It sends a message that public transportation is not a priority, which could have negative repercussions for Bali’s efforts to promote itself as an eco-conscious and inclusive destination.It also highlights the need for better urban planning and investment in public infrastructure that caters to the needs of all citizens.
**[Host Name]:** What are the options moving forward? Is there any hope for the restoration of the TMD bus service or the development of choice solutions?
**[Alex Reed]:** The Bali provincial Government needs to explore all available options to address this pressing issue. This includes prioritizing the inclusion of sufficient funding for the TMD service in future budgets, exploring partnerships with private companies to operate public bus routes, and investigating alternative modes of transport such as electric buses or improved bike lane systems.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a robust and sustainable public transportation network that meets the needs of all Bali residents and visitors.
**[Host Name]:** Thank you, **[Alex Reed Name]**, for providing your insightful analysis on this crucial issue.We hope that Bali’s leaders will take note of these concerns and work towards finding solutions that benefit all citizens.
