Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi expressed optimism about the positive impact of the Bali Maritime Tourism Hub (BMTH) on the national economy. During a visit to Benoa Port in Bali on August 10, 2024, Sumadi observed significant progress in BMTH's development and expressed hope that the infrastructure would soon operate optimally.The minister highlighted that the completion of BMTH is expected to bolster Bali's tourism ecosystem by increasing the number of foreign and domestic tourists arriving at Benoa Port. In 2023, 48 cruise ships docked at the port, bringing over 77,000 passengers. Sumadi is confident that with the ongoing development, these numbers will rise further.
BMTH's development is having a notable impact on the operations at Benoa Port. The minister mentioned that several large cruise ships, exceeding 300 meters in length, have already begun docking at the port. He expressed hope that once BMTH is fully developed, Benoa Port could serve as a home port for several international cruise ships. BMTH is a National Strategic Project (PSN) aimed at transforming Benoa Port into a maritime tourism hub by integrating tourism, port, and entertainment sectors. This integration is expected to create a multiplier effect on economic growth. Additionally, BMTH will connect with both domestic and international tourism routes, further enhancing Indonesia's marine tourism sector.
