T

he area of Kuta continues to have problems concerning infrastructure rejuvenation aimed at promoting a new culture of walking among visitors and locals.

Some of the revamped infrastructure are the pedestrian walkways along Kuta Beach and the Legian Street pavements that recently have been enjoyed by visitors.

On Thursday afternoon, several foreign and domestic tourists as well as locals, were seen enjoying their walk and a jog along the Kuta Beach pedestrian walkways.

“It’s great to be able to choose. When I don’t wish to get my feet dirty in the sand, I can just walk on the walkways,” said Reza, a Kuta resident who is used to an afternoon or morning jog along Kuta Beach.

Badung Public Works Agency Ida Bagus Surya said his office continued stage-by-stage revamping of the public infrastructure of the tourism destinations in the regency, especially in Kuta.

“With adequate infrastructure, we hope to beautify this area, so that it will regain its international standard. Tourists will be comfy while spending their time here in Kuta,” said Surya.

The 5-kilometer long and 2-meter wide Kuta Beach pedestrian walkway, which stretches from Tuban to Basangkasa, cost Rp 10 billion (Rp 1.1 million), which was allocated from the regency’s previous budget. “During high tide, visitors can still enjoy the beach’s atmosphere along the track, which is also friendly for those who wish to put on their high heels,” he said.

The previously asphalt-paved Legian Street is also being rejuvenated with paving-blocks. “We are trying to persuade visitors to walk around Kuta to reduce the traffic congestion. We also try to prevent vehicles being parked on several streets in Legian. These plans will be realized step by step,” said Surya.

Legian Street is arguably the most famous street in Kuta. It hosts numerous international and local fashion and lifestyle stores, offering a shopping heaven for visitors, as well as the island’s hottest night spots.

The infamous 2002 Bali Bombings, in which a brutal attack by Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists killed 202 people, mostly foreigners, also occurred on this street. A monument that bears the names of the victims of the bombing has become the main tourist spot in the street, drawing groups of visitors, day and night.

The paving blocks, he said, are as strong as asphalt. “We have chosen excellent quality paving blocks. So that buses and trucks can still pass along the pavement, if they have to.”

Legian Street has now been revamped for 2.6 kilometers of its length.

Additional ornaments will be seen in the area in the future, including trash bins, plants, street lamps, park tables and benches.