Transport Ministry Confirms North Bali Airport Location Not Decided Yet

Key Takeaways

• President Prabowo Subianto approved North Bali International Airport, included in 2025–2029 national development plan.
• Private funding secured of IDR 50 trillion, with location decision pending by Indonesian Ministry of Transportation.
• Airport will handle 50 million passengers annually, featuring offshore runway and aiming to balance Bali’s regional growth.

The North Bali International Airport (NBIA) project has returned to the center of Indonesia’s national development agenda, with strong support from President Prabowo Subianto and a renewed focus from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation. This analysis examines the project’s purpose, current status, methodology behind decision-making, key findings, and the broader implications for Bali’s future. The content also highlights trends, comparisons, and evidence-based conclusions, while noting the limitations and ongoing uncertainties.

Purpose and Scope

The main purpose of this analysis is to provide a clear, detailed overview of the North Bali International Airport project as of July 2025. The scope includes:

• Project background and recent developments
• Decision-making process and methodology
• Key findings and data presentation
• Comparisons with existing infrastructure and regional trends
• Stakeholder perspectives and policy implications
• Evidence-based conclusions and limitations

This content aims to help readers understand the significance of the NBIA project, the steps involved in its development, and the potential impact on Bali and Indonesia 🇮🇩 as a whole.

Methodology

This analysis is based on official government statements, regulatory documents, public announcements, and stakeholder interviews. The primary sources include:

• Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025
• Press releases from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation
• Statements from President Prabowo Subianto and other key officials
• Publicly available data from PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the designated developer
• Local government and community feedback
• Reports from tourism and business groups

Information has been cross-checked with official resources, such as the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Key Findings

1. Presidential Backing and Policy Shift
– President Prabowo Subianto has given explicit approval for the North Bali International Airport, reversing the previous administration’s decision to remove the project from the national priority list in 2022.
– The airport is now part of Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2025–2029.

2. Location Still Undecided
– The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation is finalizing the airport’s location. Buleleng Regency, especially the Kubutambahan area, is the leading candidate, but both eastern and western options in North Bali are under review.
– The final decision, known as Penetapan Lokasi (Penlok), is expected within months.

3. Funding and Project Scope
– The project has secured private funding of about IDR 50 trillion (USD 3.09 billion). No state budget funds will be used.
– PT BIBU Panji Sakti is the developer, ready to start construction once the location is confirmed.
– The airport is designed to handle up to 50 million passengers annually, more than double the current capacity of Bali’s main airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

4. Infrastructure and Design
– The airport will feature an offshore runway (3–3.6 km) to reduce disruption to local communities and sacred sites.
– Plans include an aerotropolis, aerocity, integrated toll roads, and smart airport technology.

5. Regional and Environmental Impact
– The project aims to balance economic development between Bali’s crowded south and its underdeveloped north.
– The offshore design is intended to protect temples, villages, and farmland, minimizing displacement and environmental harm.

6. Timeline
– Construction could begin by the end of 2025, with the airport expected to open between 2028 and 2029.

Data Presentation

Project Timeline

Stakeholder Table

Visual Description

If you imagine a map of Bali, the current main airport (Ngurah Rai) is located in the south, near Denpasar. The proposed North Bali International Airport would be in the north, likely in Buleleng Regency, with the runway built offshore to avoid disturbing villages and sacred sites. This new location is meant to open up the north for more tourism and economic activity, helping to balance development across the island.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Comparison with Ngurah Rai International Airport

• Capacity: Ngurah Rai International Airport is nearing its 24 million passenger limit. NBIA is planned to handle up to 50 million passengers, more than double the current capacity.
• Location: Ngurah Rai is in the crowded south, while NBIA will be in the less developed north.
• Design: NBIA’s offshore runway is a new approach for Indonesia 🇮🇩, aiming to protect local communities and cultural sites.

Regional Development Trends

• Economic Imbalance: Bali’s south has seen rapid growth, leading to congestion, high land prices, and pressure on infrastructure. The north remains less developed, with fewer jobs and lower incomes.
• Tourism Strategy: The government wants to spread tourism more evenly across the island. NBIA is expected to attract low-cost carriers and new international routes, while Ngurah Rai will focus on premium and established routes.
• Infrastructure Readiness: Experts warn that supporting roads, utilities, and services must be built alongside the airport to avoid underuse, as seen with other airports in Indonesia 🇮🇩.

Patterns in Government Policy

• Political Momentum: The project has been debated for years, often resurfacing during election cycles. Its inclusion in the 2025–2029 RPJMN and the recent presidential decree mark a clear shift toward action.
• Private Funding: The use of private investment, rather than state funds, reflects a trend toward public-private partnerships in large infrastructure projects.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

1. Strong Political Support Is Driving the Project Forward
– President Prabowo Subianto’s backing and the airport’s inclusion in the national development plan have given the project new momentum.
– The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation’s role in finalizing the location is now the main bottleneck before construction can begin.

2. The Project Is Designed to Address Regional Inequality
– By building a major airport in the north, the government hopes to balance economic growth and reduce pressure on the south.
– The airport is expected to create jobs, boost tourism, and attract investment to North Bali.

3. Environmental and Social Concerns Remain
– The offshore runway design is intended to minimize harm, but environmental reviews are ongoing.
– Local communities and environmental groups are watching closely, concerned about possible displacement and ecological impact.

4. Success Depends on Supporting Infrastructure
– Roads, utilities, and other services must be developed in parallel with the airport to ensure it is fully used and benefits the region.
– Lessons from other underused airports in Indonesia 🇮🇩 highlight the importance of integrated planning.

5. The Final Location Decision Is Critical
– The Ministry of Transportation’s upcoming announcement will determine the project’s next steps.
– Once the location is set, construction can begin, and the timeline for opening in 2028–2029 can be met.

Limitations

• Location Uncertainty: As of July 2025, the exact site for the North Bali International Airport has not been finalized. This creates uncertainty for developers, local governments, and communities.
• Environmental Impact: While the offshore design aims to reduce harm, full environmental assessments are still in progress. The long-term effects on marine and coastal ecosystems are not yet clear.
• Community Concerns: Some local residents worry about displacement, changes to their way of life, and whether promised benefits will reach them.
• Infrastructure Risks: If supporting infrastructure is delayed or underfunded, the airport could face low usage, as seen in other parts of Indonesia 🇮🇩.
• Political Changes: Future shifts in government policy or leadership could affect the project’s timeline or scope.

Step-by-Step Process: Current Status and Next Steps

1. Feasibility and Environmental Studies: Multiple studies have been completed and are under review by the central government.
2. Location Determination (Penlok): The Ministry of Transportation is expected to announce the final location within months.
3. Groundbreaking: Construction could begin as soon as the location is finalized, possibly by the end of 2025.
4. Construction and Opening: The airport is targeted to be operational by 2028–2029, matching the national development plan.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• President Prabowo Subianto: Strongly supports the project, seeing it as a way to boost regional development and national pride.
• Indonesian Ministry of Transportation: Focused on ensuring the location is suitable and all regulations are followed.
• PT BIBU Panji Sakti (Developer): Ready to start building, but waiting for the final location decision.
• Bali Provincial and Local Governments: Supportive, hoping for economic growth and better infrastructure.
• Local Communities and Environmental Groups: Cautious, wanting to protect their homes, culture, and environment.
• Tourism and Business Stakeholders: Optimistic about new opportunities for growth and investment.

Future Outlook and Pending Developments

• Location Announcement: The Ministry of Transportation’s decision on the airport’s site is expected soon. This will set the stage for the next phase.
• Construction Start: If all goes as planned, building could begin by late 2025.
• Operational Launch: The airport is expected to open between 2028 and 2029, with a capacity to handle 50 million passengers each year.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: The project will continue to be closely watched by local communities, environmental groups, and political leaders, with debates about its long-term impact and sustainability.

Official Resources

For the latest updates and official information, readers can visit the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation. This site provides news, regulations, and contact details for further questions.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• For Local Residents: Stay informed about the location decision and participate in public consultations to voice concerns or support.
• For Businesses and Investors: Monitor announcements from the Ministry of Transportation and PT BIBU Panji Sakti for opportunities related to construction, tourism, and logistics.
• For Environmental Groups: Engage with government agencies and developers to ensure environmental protections are enforced.
• For Travelers and Tourists: Watch for updates on new routes and services that the North Bali International Airport will offer once operational.

Conclusion

The North Bali International Airport project is at a critical stage. With strong support from President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, the project has secured funding and is moving toward construction. The final location decision is the last major hurdle before work can begin. If completed as planned, the airport will help balance Bali’s development, relieve congestion in the south, and open new opportunities for the north. However, success depends on careful planning, environmental protection, and the development of supporting infrastructure. As reported by VisaVerge.com, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Transportation’s upcoming announcement, which will shape the future of Bali’s economy and its place in Indonesia 🇮🇩’s national development strategy.

Learn Today

Penetapan Lokasi (Penlok) → The official location determination process for the airport by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation.
Aerotropolis → An urban plan surrounding an airport to support economic activity and infrastructure integration.
Offshore Runway → An airport runway built over water to reduce environmental and community impact on land.
RPJMN → Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan outlining priorities for 2025–2029, including major infrastructure projects.
PT BIBU Panji Sakti → The private developer designated to build and manage the North Bali International Airport project.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Bali International Airport, backed by President Prabowo, aims to double Bali’s air capacity with private funds. Pending location, it targets 2028–2029 opening, balancing north-south growth while protecting the environment through innovative offshore design and integrated infrastructure plans.
— By VisaVerge.com