DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – The trial operation of Mertasari Jetty in Sanur, originally scheduled for Wednesday (February 18, 2026), has been postponed as preparations at the site are still ongoing and approval from maritime authorities has not yet been issued.
President Director of Denpasar Regional Public Company (Perumda BPS), I Nyoman Putrawan, confirmed the delay, stating that final preparations in the jetty area are still in progress while the management awaits clearance from the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP).
“We have postponed today’s trial as area preparation is still underway, while we are also waiting for KSOP approval. We will reschedule together with the Transportation Agency and the managing business entity,” Putrawan said.
The jetty, located east of Muntig Siokan Beach, is planned to function as an alternative sea crossing point. It is expected to help ease congestion in Sanur, particularly traffic linked to marine transport activities that have largely been concentrated in the northern part of the area.
Putrawan said coordination has been carried out with Desa Adat Intaran, which is part of PT Pengelola Mertasari Bersama, the managing entity of the jetty. Based on data from Desa Adat Intaran, around 60 fast boat operators are registered under the local association and are prepared to utilize the facility once operations begin.
“The initial trial will focus on local business operators. It will be developed gradually by involving other associations and operators outside Sanur, while ensuring all regulatory requirements are fully completed,” he explained.
The presence of Mertasari Jetty is expected to provide an alternative crossing service for residents and visitors, while redistributing maritime activity that has long been centralized in northern Sanur.
Head of Denpasar Transportation Agency, I Ketut Sriawan, said the operation of Mertasari Jetty aligns with broader efforts to reduce traffic congestion, particularly along the By Pass route toward Sanur, which often experiences heavy traffic due to tourist movement to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
He added that the Mertasari Beach area offers a strategic location as a parking hub and sea transport departure point.
“This will reduce parking pressure in Sanur’s tourism zone, especially along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, while integrating land and sea transportation,” Sriawan said.
He noted that the Sanur–Serangan corridor has been designated as a National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN). The development of Mertasari Jetty is expected to support local economic growth through the empowerment of small and medium enterprises (UMKM) and active participation from traditional village institutions.