South Bali’s severe traffic congestion has led to growing calls for a new airport, aiming to alleviate travel woes and foster balanced development on the island. President Prabowo Subianto has taken this a step further, promising the construction of the North Bali International Airport, a facility he envisions as a hub to rival Singapore and Hong Kong.
The long-anticipated airport is not merely a transportation solution; it symbolizes Prabowo’s commitment to creating an equitable distribution of infrastructure, which has traditionally favored the south of Bali. During a recent visit to Bali, he shared his vision with gubernatorial, regency, and municipal candidates supported by the Gerindra Party, emphasizing the ambitious impact the airport would have.
“I am committed to building the North Bali International Airport,” Prabowo stated. “This will be the New Singapore, the New Hong Kong, establishing a central hub for this entire region,” he affirmed during a speech, quoted on Monday (4/11/2024).
However, making this vision a reality will not be easy. Prabowo stressed that this project demands determination and a willingness to pursue bold ideas. The North Bali International Airport was also a prominent campaign promise for gubernatorial candidates I Made Muliawan Arya and Putu Agus Suradnyana (the Mulia-PAS ticket) in the 2024 regional elections, reinforcing their vision for a stronger northern Bali.
The idea of an airport in Buleleng Regency actually dates back to the term of former Governor I Made Mangku Pastika, who first proposed it in 2014. Pastika identified the need for a new airport due to growing congestion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is projected to reach its limit by 2027 if passenger numbers keep rising. Suggested locations initially included Gerokgak and Kubutambahan Districts.
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Kubutambahan became the primary focus due to investor interest, with PT Bandara Internasional Bali Utara (BIBU) proposing an offshore design. BIBU estimated a cost of Rp17 trillion, envisioning a 600-hectare development that would accommodate significant passenger and cargo traffic.
Though the project was included in the National Strategic Program (PSN) during President Joko Widodo’s administration, it was removed from the list in 2023. Since then, debate has continued about its necessity and impact, with opinions divided over its future.
Adding to the complexity, former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, head of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), voiced strong opposition to the project. Citing her familial roots in Buleleng, Megawati argued that an airport could disrupt the region’s ecosystem and heritage, underscoring the need for careful planning.
With significant support and significant opposition, the future of North Bali International Airport remains a highly watched issue, promising to reshape Bali’s economy, infrastructure, and community dynamics for years to come.
