In response to the recent traffic congestion surrounding the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has called upon souvenir shop owners to pay close attention to the capacity of their parking areas. The appeal follows a coordination meeting held after a significant traffic jam on December 29 hindered the smooth flow of vehicles to and from the airport.

Minister Sumadi addressed the issue, attributing the congestion to souvenir shops, stating, "It is important to talk this matter out. The logic is that a store whose parking area's capacity is only 10 vehicles should not accommodate 20." He emphasized the need for proper management to avoid customers parking on the roads, causing disruptions.

To enforce this directive, Minister Sumadi has requested Bali Police Chief to deploy personnel to engage with souvenir shop owners and ensure compliance with parking regulations. "I would like to ask the Bali Police chief to ask station officers to talk to related entrepreneurs," he stated.

Describing the congestion as an "unprecedented and extraordinary event," Minister Sumadi acknowledged the challenges it presented but also emphasized the unity it brought. He highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to prepare Bali as a showcase for Indonesia.

Acting Bali Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya shed light on the factors contributing to the traffic congestion, explaining that a simultaneous increase in the movement of people and goods during specific days, known as "dewasa ayu," led to the challenging situation.

"In Bali, we have dewasa ayu, or days deemed as good moments for conducting various activities, such as weddings and religious rituals. This led to a simultaneous increase in the mobility of people and goods," Governor Jaya elaborated.

In response to Minister Sumadi's directives, Governor Jaya assured that the Bali provincial government would coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors to Bali. The collaborative efforts aim to address the immediate concerns and implement long-term solutions to prevent future traffic disruptions, supporting Bali's reputation as a premier destination in Indonesia.