The construction of a new international airport in North Bali, located in Buleleng Regency, has officially been included in Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan for 2025–2029.
This development is outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025, which was signed by President Prabowo Subianto.
In response to this, the Regent of Buleleng, I Nyoman Sutjidra, expressed full support for the national strategic policy. He mentioned that the local government is currently awaiting further guidance from the central government.
According to Kompas.com, “This policy from the central government is something we always support. At this moment, it’s just a matter of determining the location, and we will follow,” Sutjidra said on Sunday (April 27, 2025) in Buleleng.
Government Backing and Local Support
This initial positive response from the local leadership underscores the collaborative spirit anticipated for this major infrastructure undertaking.
He also emphasized the critical importance of coordination among the central government, provincial authorities, and the local government throughout every stage of the airport development planning.
“We ask to always be involved in coordination, especially with the Provincial Government of Bali, including the determination of the location,” he added.
Meanwhile, I Putu Mardika, an academic from Buleleng, stressed the importance of conducting thorough studies before the project begins. He reminded that the development must consider various aspects, including economic, cultural, and tourism factors.
“The project must undergo a long research process to understand the community’s desires,” Mardika explained.
Reduce Economic Disparities
Mardika also pointed out the significant potential of the project to reduce economic disparities between North and South Bali. However, he warned that the benefits of the development should not only be felt by large investors.
“This economic growth must be anticipated with careful planning so that it doesn’t just benefit large investors, but also empowers local communities through strengthening community-based economic sectors,” Mardika emphasized.
He noted that the new airport would expedite tourist access to North Bali, especially to destinations such as Lovina, Air Sanih, Munduk, and Tamblingan. However, he also raised an important issue.
“It is crucial to ensure that, if not managed sustainably, there is a risk of environmental degradation and the homogenization of local culture due to mass tourism driven by short-term profit motives,” he said.
This breakthrough is the result of intense lobbying by Bali’s Governor, Wayan Koster. The Presidential Regulation outlines several major projects for Bali, including the Gilimanuk–Mengwi Toll Road, the North Bali International Airport, and the revitalization of the West Bali National Park, Menjangan–Pemuteran.
In addition, the development of Amuk Port in Candidasa, the planning of the Nusa Penida area, and the Gunaksa Port expansion have also been prioritized for acceleration.
“This is a concrete manifestation of the central government’s support for Bali. The hard work of advocating for Bali’s needs at the national level has finally yielded tangible results,” Koster said in Denpasar on Friday (April 26).
The regulation also mandates that ministries, agencies, and local governments align their work programs with the national priority projects outlined in the Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan.
According to Baliberkarya, “Ministries/agencies and local governments are to implement programs in the National Medium-Term Development Plan, which are detailed in the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan,” reads Article 3 of Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025.
With full commitment from the central government, Bali is projected to advance further as a hub for creative economic growth, regional connectivity, and a guardian of national cultural heritage.
Sources: Kompas.com, Bali Berkarya
Feat Image: via Ministry of Religious Affairs