RadarBali reports that the Denpasar City Government has officially launched a significant redevelopment program to revitalize the city center of Bali’s Provincial Capital —otherwise officially known as the “kilometer zero” – for the 2026 fiscal year. This ambitious urban renewal program will revamp the city’s appearance, upgrade public facilities, revitalize the local economy, and enhance the City’s heritage tourism ecosystem.
Work on the Denpasar City Center Redevelopment Project (DCCRP) commenced on 08 July 2026, with construction targeted for completion by 18 December 2026. The Denpasar City Government has allocated a total budget of Rp 79.5 billion from the 2026 regional budget (APBD) for the DCCRP.
The project will integrate a renewal of the government office building district, the trade and services hub, and the “old city” heritage area. Because Denpasar is also focusing on addressing waste management issues, the beautification work will be carried out in stages through 2027.
Denpasar Heritage Area Beautification
Overall, the beautification of the heritage area covers several main street sections:
Simpang Suci – Jalan Hasanuddin – Puri Pemecutan Intersection
Redevelopment of these areas will focus primarily on the sidewalks, by widening pedestrian paths. Overhead internet and power cables will be relocated to underground conduits (ducting) or consolidated into single cable lines.
Additionally, city lighting will be enhanced with ethnically styled lampposts, and public facilities will feature additional Balinese decorative elements. Shopfront facades will be standardized by regulating signage and billboards and harmonizing building colors, without altering the original structures.
Jalan Thamrin – Simpang Sutomo – Jalan Wahidin – Gajah Mada Intersection
The redevelopment concept for these areas will employ measures similar to those used for the Simpang Suci to Puri Pemecutan route (see above).
Jalan Gajah Mada – Catur Muka Area – Jalan Sulawesi & Jalan Sumatra
Redevelopment efforts will continue from Jalan Gajah Mada toward the Catur Muka statue area. Specifically for Jalan Sumatra, the initial phase of work focuses on improving the quality of the road’s asphalt surface. As part of the sidewalk renovation, all existing ceramic paving will be removed and replaced with andesite stone, similar to the pedestrian walkways in the Sanur area. The sidewalk height will also be adjusted to 10 centimeters above the newly raised road surface.
These measures aim to create a more spacious, pedestrian-friendly public area without disrupting traditional commercial activities. In addition to the sidewalk improvements, drainage systems beneath the road and sidewalk are being upgraded to prevent water pooling and flooding during heavy rainfall.
Charlie Chaplin Statue on Jalan Veteran
The revitalization of Denpasar’s city center also extends to the Jalan Veteran area, home to the historic Inna Bali Heritage Hotel (Bali Hotel).
Bali’s first hotel, the Bali Hotel, opened in 1927 under the management of the Dutch East Indies Cruise Line KPM (Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatschappij). Still in operation today and managed by Injourney Hospitality, the Inna Bali Heritage Hotel has hosted famous island visitors over the past century, including Charlie Chaplin. Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and Robert Kennedy – to name but a few.
The legendary British comedian famously stayed at the Bali Hotel in 1932, occupying room number 77.
As part of the Jalan Veteran improvements, the Denpasar City Government plans to erect a statue of Charlie Chaplin in front of the Bali Hotel. Officials hope that the statue will serve as a visitor attraction and a photo spot for the public, while also underlining the unique history of Bali’s oldest hotel.
Catur Muka Intersection
Restoration of the Ida Cokorda Pemecutan IX Monument and Bale Kulkul
As another key component of Denpasar’s heritage area revitalization along Jalan Hasanuddin, the Denpasar City Government is also preparing to revamp the area surrounding the Ida Cokorda Pemecutan IX Monument and the Pemecutan *Bale Kulkul* (traditional signal tower).
The monument depicting I Gusti Ngurah Agung Pemecutan—also known as Ida Tjokorda Pemecutan IX—shows the King of Puri Pemecutan being carried on a palanquin by four warriors; this statue commemorates the King’s heroic death during the Puputan Badung War on 20 September 1906.
In revitalizing the statue, the Denpasar City Government is collaborating with two Balinese artists – Komang Gede Sentana Putra (Kedux) and Marmar Herayukti. The redevelopment of the Ida Cokorda Pemecutan IX Monument area includes:
- Pedestal & Statue Arrangement: Plans are to lower the statue’s pedestal by approximately 2.5 meters to ensure it appears more aesthetically proportional to its surrounding environment. The statue’s base will also be refined and improved to enhance artistic detail.
- Lighting & Historical Plaque: The lighting system will be reconfigured to enhance the monument’s nighttime appearance.
- A *Kusuma Bangsa* (National Hero Plaque) will also be added to the area to underscore and explain the figure’s historical significance.
Revitalization of *Bale Kulkul* & Historical Reliefs
The *Bale Kulkul* area will be redesigned to feature replicas of the Pemecutan Fortress walls, a *Candi Bentar* (split gateway), and historical inscriptions, and an integrated pedestrian walkway.. Terayukerti marble has been selected as the primary material to reinforce and complement the site’s monumental character.
Badung Kingdom Relief Panels
The historical significance of the area will be highlighted through four relief panels narrating the glory of the Pemecutan Palace, the Badung-Buleleng War, the handover of the *Bale Kulkul* as a symbol of acknowledgment from Buleleng, and the events surrounding the Puputan Badung War.
Lighting Improvements
In addition to the historic monument redevelopment, lighting improvements are also being targeted for other iconic landmarks, such as the Catur Muka Statue and the Dutch Clock Tower.
Street Food Park
To further celebrate the area, the Denpasar City Government is planning to designate specific locations—such as Jalan Sulawesi—as nighttime street food zones to boost opportunities for small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs and support the youth creative economy.
Related Links
Inna Bali Heritage Hotel
Museum Bali
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