Karangasem Lawmakers Question Proposed BPD Bali Investment

Amlapura — Karangasem lawmakers questioned the proposed mechanism, share ownership transfer and expected dividends from a planned Rp1 billion (about US$62,000) capital contribution to PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali and PT Jamkrida Bali Mandara during a joint-commission meeting on the 2027 regional capital-participation regulation on Nov. 10, 2026.

The proposal covers separate investments in the two Bali-owned companies. The Karangasem administration has planned Rp1 billion (about US$62,000) for PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali and Rp500 million (about US$31,000) for PT Penjaminan Kredit Daerah Bali Mandara in the 2027 budget. The investment in the bank is intended to support regional economic activity and increase locally generated revenue through dividends, while the Jamkrida contribution is intended to expand financing access for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Why the proposed investment matters to Karangasem

The questions raised by lawmakers concern how public money would translate into ownership, returns and measurable benefits for residents. Karangasem Regional Secretary I Ketut Sedana Merta said the local government's dividend depends on its shareholding in the bank. He cited total dividends of about Rp46 billion (about US$2.9 million), with Karangasem receiving more than Rp13 billion (about US$810,000), equivalent to 29.8 percent.

The discussion also follows criticism from the Gerindra faction that new investments could add pressure to the regency's finances amid limited fiscal capacity and the risk of a structural deficit. The faction called for a careful assessment of the investment return and urged the government to consider existing assets before committing additional funds.

For residents and businesses, the practical issue is whether the proposed capital will produce broader access to credit and stronger local economic benefits, rather than only increase the regency's equity holdings. The administration said it would seek data from BPD Bali on debtors, lending, interest rates, collateral requirements and the distribution of financing across productive sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, MSMEs, trade, cooperatives and tourism. It also said data on Jamkrida-backed MSMEs, guaranteed credit and beneficiaries would be used to evaluate the policy.

Sources

• Tribun Bali — regional news report
• detik.com
• jdih.karangasemkab.go.id
• wartabalionline.com