The construction of a rail-based mass transportation system has finally arrived on the Island of the Gods. The project, titled Bali Urban Rail, or better known as the Bali Subway, is the first step in realizing the first MRT in Bali. This project is the result of a collaboration between PT Bina Insan Pradana (BIP) and South Korean company SDBJ, which signed a strategic cooperation agreement in 2023.
This project is not only a symbol of technological advancement, but also a concrete solution to the chronic traffic congestion that often plagues tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur. In the future, the MRT line will connect I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport with tourist and economic centers. This program is part of a major effort to make Bali a pilot province in the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
In a project of this magnitude, the construction technology used cannot be arbitrary. An important component that has received significant attention is the use of Polypropylene (PP) Non-Woven Geotextile with a thickness of 600 gsm. This material plays a crucial role in strengthening the MRT line’s foundation so that it can withstand heavy loads, extreme weather changes, and unstable soil conditions.
Bali Subway Becomes a New Milestone in Mass Transportation on the Island of the Gods
Bali has long been known as a world-class tourist destination. However, dependence on private vehicles and a lack of public transportation facilities have made inter-regional mobility a challenge. Traffic jams on main roads have become a daily sight, especially during holidays and weekends. These conditions have created an urgent need to build rail-based mass transportation. Bali Urban Rail is here to answer that need. The first phase of the project will stretch from Ngurah Rai Airport to Mengwi Terminal, passing through densely populated areas such as Jimbaran, Kuta, Denpasar, and Ubung. The total length of the initial track is designed to reach more than 30 kilometers, with full operational plans for 2028.
Interestingly, this project also symbolizes interregional synergy. The Bali Provincial Government is collaborating with the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to share experiences and expertise in managing the MRT system, which has been successfully implemented in the capital city. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the construction process while ensuring the quality of the infrastructure built. The presence of the Bali MRT will bring significant changes to the public transportation landscape of the Island of the Gods. Whereas previously tourist access relied on private vehicles and rentals, in the future both local residents and tourists will have a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation alternative.
MRT Infrastructure Challenges in Tropical Coastal Areas
Building a mass transportation system in Bali is certainly no simple matter. The island has unique and challenging geographical conditions. Most areas near the coast have sandy soil structures that tend to be unstable. High humidity, heavy rainfall, and the potential for seawater contamination are environmental factors that affect the quality and durability of infrastructure. In the context of MRT line construction, loose soil conditions can cause uneven settlement, which ultimately disrupts the stability of the rails. In addition, underground structures near coastal areas are vulnerable to exposure to salt water, which can accelerate corrosion of metal components and damage the integrity of concrete structures.
The construction of foundations for the MRT must take all these variables into account. A soil reinforcement system is needed that is not only capable of withstanding long-term loads but is also flexible to changes in environmental conditions. In modern civil engineering practice, the use of geotextiles has proven to be an effective solution in various countries for stabilizing subsoil and increasing soil bearing capacity in heavy infrastructure projects.
What is Nonwoven Geotextile and Why is it Important in MRT?
Non-woven geotextile is a synthetic material sheet produced from polymer fibers, such as polypropylene, which are arranged without a weaving process. This material has permeable properties that allow water to pass through but retain fine soil particles. In civil construction, geotextile is used for a number of functions such as soil stabilization, layer separation, water filtration, and drainage. In MRT projects such as the Bali Subway, geotextile plays a vital role. The type used, namely Non-Woven Geotextile made of polypropylene with a thickness of 600 gsm, is specifically designed to withstand heavy loads, soil chemical exposure, and extreme wet conditions. Polypropylene was chosen for its resistance to chemical degradation, UV rays, and microorganisms.
With a thickness of 600 gsm, this material is strong enough to withstand pressure from rail structures, heavy vehicles, and vibrations arising from daily MRT operations. In addition, geotextiles also function as a separator between the subgrade and the aggregate layer above it. This helps maintain the stability of the structural layer and prevents mixing between materials that can cause a decrease in bearing capacity. Another crucial advantage is its ability to manage water flow. In tropical environments such as Bali, good underground drainage is essential to prevent puddles and water accumulation that can weaken structures. Geotextile allows water to flow through its layers without carrying soil particles, so that the drainage system remains clean and functions optimally.
Geotextile from Urban Plastic, Ready to Face MRT Construction Challenges
Amid the complexity of infrastructure projects such as the Bali Subway, the selection of construction materials must be based on the reliability and experience of the manufacturer. Urban Plastic is one of the providers of high-quality 600 gsm Non Woven Geotextile that has been used in various national projects, including toll roads, dams, and industrial estates. Urban Plastic’s geotextile products use pure polypropylene material that has high tensile strength and is resistant to heavy pressure. Its resistance to UV rays and chemicals makes this product suitable for applications in humid and hot tropical regions such as Bali. In addition, its flexible design allows installation on various soil contours, from flat to undulating.
Urban Plastic is also known for its adequate technical support. Their team is experienced in large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring that the products are not only strong in terms of specifications but can also be installed correctly for maximum functionality. With this experience, it is no surprise that many contractors and civil consultants choose these products as their top choice for long-term projects.
Strategic Steps Towards a Sustainable MRT
The construction of the Bali MRT is part of Indonesia’s long-term agenda to provide modern, low-emission, and environmentally friendly public transportation. Every technical element involved, including the selection of materials such as geotextiles, plays a direct role in determining the long-term success of this system. Non-woven geotextile technology, especially with high specifications such as 600 gsm polypropylene, has been proven to improve structural durability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure lifespan. In the context of the Bali MRT development, this technology is a supporting element that ensures the rail foundation remains stable even when faced with dynamic environmental conditions.
To achieve safe, efficient, and sustainable mass transportation, technical solutions such as the proper use of geotextiles must become a standard, not an option.
For more information about Geotextile Non Woven please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 1721 338 (Ms. Ais) or Email : info@baligeotex.com