MTI Highlights Uncertainty Regarding North Bali Airport Project Location
The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) Bali has once again highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the North Bali Airport project, as no definitive decision has been made regarding its construction location. The Chairman of MTI Bali, I Made Rai Ridartha, noted a tug-of-war between policymakers at both central and regional levels.
This discrepancy was evident following a technical meeting in Jakarta attended by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, Chief of Staff to the President General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, and the Head of the Special Development and Investment Control Agency (Bappisus) Aries Marsudyanto. The results of that meeting suggested that the government might focus on developing Letkol Wisnu Airport in Gerokgak, Buleleng, as it is deemed more effective to develop the western side of Buleleng rather than constructing a new airport in the eastern part.
In contrast, during his presidential campaign, Prabowo Subianto had indicated a preference for building the North Bali Airport in the eastern part of Buleleng, aiming to emulate models like Hong Kong. “Naturally, the differing opinions among central government officials need to be rectified, especially concerning Presidential Regulation 12 of 2025,” Rai told detikBali on Sunday.
Rai continued, explaining that the location of the North Bali Airport will significantly impact the development of access infrastructure from the south to the north. Consequently, he questioned the certainty of the site’s location. “There is currently no direct access specifically intended to connect these two airports or at least these two regions. Relying solely on the existing road network will certainly cause difficulties, particularly regarding travel time certainty,” he explained.
Rai noted that according to the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), the road to be built from the south to the north follows the Kintamani route, as the RPJMX has designated the North Bali Airport to be built in the eastern part of Buleleng, specifically in Kubutambahan. This contradicts recent suggestions that development might focus on the western side, whether through a new airport or the expansion of the existing Letkol Wisnu Airport.
MTI, Rai added, seeks certainty as a stakeholder focused on transportation, including information on which investors will undertake the airport construction project. “For us, whoever builds this must have certainty regarding when it will be built, where the location is, and how the connecting access roads will be developed—whether they will follow the RPJMN route or a new trajectory.”
Rai believes this clarity is essential to prevent confusion regarding the airport’s development. The determination of the location will depend on investor interest, as the construction is confirmed not to use the State Budget (APBN) or Regional Budget (APBD). “It is vital that this is established not merely based on estimates. We expect the highest leadership to promptly ensure where the airport will be, who will build it, and the connectivity, as this will significantly impact both the community and investors,” he concluded.