The Problem of Traffic in Canggu, Bali is Growing More Severe Every Day
One of the most serious problems faced by the local authorities in the popular area of Bali Canggu, has been the problem of traffic congestion which is becoming increasingly severe day-by-day due to the difficulty for the authorities to deal with the issue, considering poor infrastructure, growing tourism and lack of roads. According to an article published in PerthNow, journalist Amy Cavender reported on the dramatic changes in the previously tranquil coastal village of Canggu where the development over the last few years has resulted in growing business and tourism, but also in major traffic jams which have affected all spheres of people’s life in Canggu.
Traffic congestion is one of the many things that tourists will have to put up with when staying in Canggu during their vacation; specifically tourists from Australia, one of the biggest groups of tourists in Bali. Roads which used to be relatively empty in the past are now filled with motorcycles, rented scooters, private cars, taxis, trucks and buses. According to the report, journeys that used to take 10 to 15 minutes have been increased to over an hour in the period of peak time. Just a five-kilometer drive in Canggu will be turned into hours of sitting on the road and waiting for an opportunity to move in the heavy traffic. It seems that the area of Canggu changed its face very quickly. Once there were empty surf beaches, green rice paddies and traditional villages in the area. Nowadays, it is turned into the hottest place in Bali, where there are numerous places such as beach clubs, restaurants, cafes, co-working places, gyms, boutiques, spa centers, villas, and night spots.
There are many digital nomads, surfers, influencers, and international tourists who prefer the area of Canggu which results in a fast-growing construction boom. At the same time, there have not been any changes in the transportation system. Transportation authorities and the police of Canggu are now under high pressure from the Badung Regency Government and Bali province to solve the situation with the growing traffic problem. Unfortunately, the discussions held by these people have not brought about any results so far.
The Head of the Badung Transportation Agency, AA Ngurah Gde Rahmadi, confirmed that traffic engineering becomes highly complex under Canggu conditions. He stated that the majority of roads in the area are narrow, of similar width, and overcrowded with cars during daytime hours. The use of one-way traffic is a common way to solve problems of traffic jams in an urban area. However, Rahmadi pointed out that it is difficult to use because of the lack of sufficient roads in Canggu. Redirection of cars from one street to another will not help to overcome the problem since it may create traffic jams in other places.
Local authorities face difficulties due to the uncontrolled and fast development of the region. Numerous businesses, accommodations, and tourism attractions appeared on roads initially designed for local residents and farmers' vehicles. Now the old infrastructure is unable to handle millions of tourists and new residents traveling via roads in Canggu each year. The Canggu shortcut connecting Jalan Raya Canggu and Jalan Pantai Berawa is one of the examples that are commonly cited by locals and tourists. This narrow road that passes through the rice field used to be an alternative way to avoid traffic jams. Despite the difficulties, the authorities continue to review several solutions in collaboration with the police and the community.
Transportation authorities are keeping an eye on a new trial of traffic management in Uluwatu, yet another famous tourist attraction in Bali. It aims at improving traffic flows and decreasing congestion in tourist areas. In case of success, some aspects of the trial can be applied in Canggu as well. According to Rahmadi, the solution to the problem will require the cooperation of different sides, including government agencies, the police, local people, and the motorists themselves. It is supposed that the police should take part in the implementation of the regulation and traffic management system in the region.
Furthermore, the rise in the traffic jams became a source of certain doubts about the sustainability of the development of the tourism in the region. Even though the development of tourism is very important for the economy of the island, some critics state that the uncontrolled development of the industry can have a negative impact on the reputation of the destination in the future. Currently, visitors to the region are recommended to be prepared for possible traffic jams while moving to various places including restaurants, shops, surf schools, and nightclubs. In addition, many visitors are advised to use the motorcycles or go to their destinations during off-peak hours to avoid traffic jams.Considering that the number of visitors to Bali increases year by year, the problem in Canggu becomes a clear example of what kind of challenges might arise along with rapid tourism growth.
