Bali launches South Korea-backed project with 11 electric buses

Denpasar — Bali officials launched the Bali E-Mobility project on Thursday, 22 October 2026, receiving 11 electric buses and six charging facilities from a South Korean government-supported cooperation programme.

Why it matters: Visitors and residents will have access to free trial rides on Corridor 1 before the 11-bus electric fleet is targeted to enter service in December 2026.

The buses are intended for Corridor 1 of the Trans Sarbagita public-transport network, linking GOR Ngurah Rai with Garuda Wisnu Kencana via Udayana University, according to Bali’s transportation agency and local media reports. The project is a cooperation initiative involving Indonesia’s National Development Planning Ministry, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Global Green Growth Institute.

Bali Transportation Agency chief I Kadek Mudarta said the fleet is expected to begin regular service in December 2026. During the trial period, passengers will ride free of charge, while the agency plans to operate 10 buses and keep one as a reserve.

The charging facilities are located at the Bali Transportation Agency pool and the GOR Ngurah Rai area, where daytime charging can be carried out when required. The buses and charging equipment were presented at a launch ceremony at the eastern grounds of the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Denpasar.

The project is designed to support lower-emission public transport in Bali. Bappenas chief Rachmat Pambudy attended the launch alongside Bali Governor Wayan Koster and South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Yoon Soon-gu.

Sources

• Detik Bali
• Bali Post
• NusaBali