DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara has officially designated Sanur as a Low Emission Zone (Kawasan Rendah Emisi/KRE), formalized through Mayor Regulation No. 39 of 2025 on Traffic and Transportation Management in the Sanur Low Emission Area.
The declaration covers Sanur Kaja Village, Sanur Kauh Village, Desa Adat Sanur, and Desa Adat Intaran. The launch ceremony took place at Sanur Seaside Denpasar on Saturday (Feb 21), marked by a ribbon-cutting and a symbolic dove release.
Jaya Negara said Sanur plays a central role in Denpasar’s tourism sector and must be protected to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Sanur is the face of Denpasar’s tourism. Transport management and emission control are priorities so that economic growth continues without sacrificing environmental quality and residents’ comfort,” he said.
According to the mayor, the low emission policy is expected to create more orderly traffic management and better public transport regulation, supporting sustainable tourism development.
He highlighted several improvements already implemented in the area, including jogging track upgrades, drainage improvements, pedestrian infrastructure, and the introduction of electric shuttle services.
“We are grateful for strong support from the local community. We have improved the jogging track, drainage, sidewalks, introduced electric shuttles, and now established low emission management. We hope Sanur continues to grow while maintaining local wisdom values,” he added.
Bendesa Adat Intaran Sanur, I Gusti Agung Alit Kencana, said the initiative has already shown visible benefits for the community. Planning involved the Denpasar City Government, the Denpasar Transportation Agency, Desa Adat authorities, and BUPDA Intaran, with technical support from the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia.
“The area is now more orderly and comfortable. With 12 electric shuttle units such as Shuttle Intaran, private vehicle congestion has decreased. Improved sidewalks and lighting make it easier for residents and tourists to walk,” he said.
He added that increased pedestrian activity has also benefited local businesses.
“Street vendors and art shops feel the area has become more vibrant. More people walking means they are more comfortable stopping, browsing, and shopping. This shows that the low emission zone also supports the local economy,” he noted.
WRI Indonesia Country Director Nirarta Samadhi emphasized that low emission zones should ensure fair and accessible mobility for all groups.
“A Low Emission Zone must ensure that everyone can move fairly and affordably, including local residents, small business operators, and tourism sector workers. Policy design must be inclusive and allow public participation,” he said.
He also stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, Head of the Denpasar Transportation Agency, I Ketut Sriawan, explained that a Regional Action Plan (RAD) will be prepared as the operational framework following the issuance of the mayoral regulation.
The plan will guide technical implementation across government agencies, traditional villages, and business operators, including traffic engineering, bicycle lanes, pedestrian facilities, and integration with public transportation.
Authorities hope the Sanur Low Emission Zone will serve as a model for sustainable mobility planning in Bali and support the island’s broader commitment toward net-zero emissions.
The event also included the official handover of electric shuttle management and a cooperation agreement between WRI Indonesia and the Denpasar City Government. Representatives from the Bali Provincial Transportation Agency, Denpasar’s regional leadership forum (Forkopimda), and related local government agencies were in attendance.