BALI (ISL News) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) personally inspected the progress of the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) development at Benoa Port, Bali, on Tuesday (July 21). The visit was conducted to ensure the acceleration of BMTH's development as an integrated maritime tourism area and to discuss several strategic issues that need to be resolved jointly to support optimal area operations.
During the visit, Coordinating Minister AHY inspected Development Area I of the BMTH, which is planned to become a Marina District, and discussed the area's development, including plans to relocate fishing vessels from the BMTH development area to improve shipping safety and support the development of an international-standard marina. Furthermore, the government also discussed expediting the completion of several regulations related to the management of yacht and cruise ship marinas as part of efforts to encourage the development of integrated and globally competitive maritime tourism.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono stated that BMTH is a national strategic project that is expected to strengthen the tourism sector and provide a multiplier effect on the economy.
"The development of the BMTH is a crucial part of our efforts to strengthen the national tourism and maritime economy. The state has provided support through government investment, so we need to complete all stages of development in an integrated manner so that the benefits of this development can be optimally felt by the community and the national economy," said AHY.
One of the strategic issues of concern in the development of the BMTH is the restructuring of fishing vessels currently moored in the BMTH area. This restructuring is being carried out in stages, in line with plans to develop the Pengambengan Fisheries Port as a future relocation site for fishing activities.
Pelindo's Director of Business Development, Prasetyo, said that the area's restructuring was carried out to create a safer, more orderly port management system capable of accommodating various maritime activities side by side.
"The development of this area is part of an effort to create a safe, orderly, and increasingly functional port area. With proper spatial planning and shipping lanes, fishing activities can continue, while the development of international marinas can also proceed harmoniously, prioritizing safety, security, and smooth operations," said Prasetyo.
BMTH Development Area I is planned to become a Marina District capable of accommodating up to 180 yachts with a maximum length of 90 meters. This area will be equipped with various supporting facilities, including an entertainment district, a lifestyle district, and integrated public spaces to create an international-class maritime tourism destination.
The development of BMTH is expected to further strengthen Benoa Port's position as a gateway to Indonesian maritime tourism. This is reflected in the positive trend of increasing cruise ship visits. Throughout 2025, 65 international cruise ships were recorded as docking at Benoa Port, a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of international tourists arriving by cruise ship reached approximately 146,000, representing a 36 percent annual growth.
Through synergy between the government, Pelindo, and all stakeholders, the development of BMTH is expected to be a catalyst for Bali's economic growth, strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia's maritime tourism, and make Benoa Port one of the leading marina and cruise ship destinations in the Asia Pacific region.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Pelindo Regional 3 Public Relations).
