Tourism in Bali has long centered on the northern region, where visitor numbers are highest. The heavy focus on this part of the island has encouraged plans for a new international airport to balance growth by opening access in the south. Yet, the Bali Provincial Government confirmed that the exact location of the North Bali Airport has not been set by the central government.
Nusakti Yasa Weda, Acting Head of the Bali Provincial Transportation Office, explained that Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 12 of 2025 does not explicitly state the location of the planned airport.
He pointed out that Appendix IV of the regulation, which outlines development strategies for Bali, does mention the construction of the New Bali International Airport or North Bali Airport. However, the document does not specify either the site or the formal name.
“The inclusion of the New Bali International Airport/North Bali Airport in Perpres 12/2025 is still only a directive. Determining the location and implementation must follow the provisions of existing laws and regulations, including technical and operational feasibility studies in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” said Nusakti Yasa Weda, as quoted from a press release, Monday (October 6, 2025).
Appendix IV also lists priority development programs for the island. These include strengthening 6A tourism across eight National Tourism Strategic Areas (KSPN), building the Gilimanuk–Mengwi Toll Road, developing the Ulapan Tourism Area, and planning the Singapadu–Ubud–Bangli–Kintamani Toll Road that would connect to the future airport.
Other initiatives include the airport project itself, construction of the Bali Cultural Center (PKB) in Klungkung, expansion of Gunaksa Port, creation of a Shiny Rural Area in Tabanan, and disaster risk reduction efforts for Mount Agung.
Read also: Green Fuel Takes the Spotlight at Record-Breaking MotoGP Mandalika
Nusakti highlighted that a final decision on the airport cannot be made without a thorough study, a government-approved masterplan, and land secured by the initiating party.
“Solid studies must be carried out in line with the authority regulated by law. Without studies that meet both legal and technical standards, the location of the airport will never be determined. So, the public should understand that its current status is still only a development directive, not a decision on location,” he said.
His remarks also served to counter a report by an online outlet that suggested disrespect toward the president and harm to the investment climate due to the project’s uncertainty. The Bali Provincial Government underlined that all strategic infrastructure projects, including the airport, will move forward only under proper norms and procedures to guarantee both legal certainty and investor confidence.
Nusakti closed by noting that the Governor of Bali is committed to governance built on collaboration between central and regional authorities. This, he said, ensures development efforts proceed smoothly and in line with the needs of the province.
