Mataram, NTB, Dec. 5 -- Mornings along the Mandalika coast are consistently busy with tourism activity. The sound of gentle waves accompanies the ongoing construction of a fast boat pier at the end of the bay.

After facing earlier delays, the project has entered a decisive phase as it moves toward its target of becoming operational in 2026.

The pier is expected to function as more than just marine infrastructure. It is envisioned as a new gateway that will remove connectivity barriers and open a tourism corridor between Mandalika and Bali.

A trial service on the Sanur-Mandalika fast boat route in 2022 briefly carried thousands of passengers, demonstrating significant potential before operations were halted due to permit and facility re...