The pilot opening ceremony of the Bali Gapura Marina took place on the 26 November 2026. Part of the Maritime Tourism Hub – a National Strategic Project, Bali Gapua Marina project is supported by the Indonesian Government, the Bali Local Government, Pelindo and Marina Developments Indonesia (MDI).
Local Official Government dignitaries attending the ceremony included the Governor of Province Bali, Bapak Wayan Koster, Head of KSOP Class II Benoa, Ministry of Sea Transportation, Bapak Aprianus Hangki, Director of Tourism, Creative Economy & Digital, Ministry of BAPPENAS, Bapak Wahyu Wijayanto, Assistant Deputy Investment Management, Ministry of Tourism, Bapak Franc Orlando, Bali Government Development Expert Group in Infrastructure Sector, Bapak Wayan Kastawan, Vice Major of City of Denpasar, Bapak Agus Arya Wibawa, Director of Technology, Pelindo Holding, Bapak Suriawan Wakan, Commercial Director, Pelindo Solusi Logistik, Ibu Ruri, Pelindo Executive Director 3, Regional 3, Bapak Daru, Former Ambassador and now President Commissioner Bali Turtle Island Development, Bapak Tantowi.
Ulf Backlund, Founder of MDI, and Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Joseph Prabantara thanked the Government officials and the investors for their support for the project from the very beginning. “Our thanks also go to our project investor and partner, Bandar Bakau Jaya (BBJ) and Bapak Jack, Chairwoman Ibu Winda, and corporate partners SF Marina Indonesia, Plus Marine, and North Sea Boats, along with design and construction partners; 2M Design LAB and Woodlam Indonesia, REDY, Socialive, and the Indonesian Nautical Agency have all played an important role in getting the project started. We also welcome Suzy Rayment from the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) who are a Strategic Partner, and supporting maritime brand partners Europa Yachts, Salaya Yachts, and Metarina.
Backlund, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated MDI team of board advisors, respected suppliers and consultants for their hard work that had allowed the project to reach this significant milestone in a record time. “The pilot opening of Dock B at Bali
Gapura Marina is not just the start of operations — it is the beginning of a shared vision becoming reality. The vision to make Indonesia “The New Yachting Paradise. What we see around us was indeed achieved in record time. In the water, is not just Dock B, but as you can see, also floating pontoons for another three docks that will be installed during the coming few months. And this beautiful Welcome Station is already close to completion and will open for marina guests end of January.”
MDI believes this is a testament to what can happen when government, industry, and community work hand in hand with a clear purpose. The whole project including all land and water facilities will be completed in 2028, establishing Bali Gapura Marina as Indonesia’s biggest and first full-service, international-standard yacht marina. A place that welcomes sailors from around the world, builds new opportunities, and strengthens the maritime capabilities of this region.
Further ahead, MDI has an ambition to make this marina the biggest in Southeast Asia. In doing so, MDI will be contributing to something even larger: the revival of Indonesia’s proud maritime heritage – a legacy of exploration, trade, and innovation. Backlund explained, “Bali is an island of deep cultural significance, and it is a privilege to develop this project with respect for its people, its traditions, and its future. In everything we do, we do our best to integrate Balinese philosophies and values. We hope this marina will stand as a symbol of collaboration and as a gateway “Where Balinese Heritage meets the World of Yachting”.
This is only the beginning, and MDI is look forward to the next chapters with more marinas in Indonesia to develop, and last week MDI signed an MOU for the next marina and looks to build not just a marina, but a legacy for Indonesia’s maritime future.