Key Takeaways
• President Prabowo approved North Bali International Airport on June 27, 2025, as a top national priority.
• Construction starts mid-2025; first runway expected by end of 2027 in Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency.
• Airport aims to reduce southern Bali congestion and boost northern tourism, jobs, and economic growth.
Indonesia’s North Bali International Airport Project Moves Forward Under President Prabowo
President Prabowo Subianto has officially approved the construction of the North Bali International Airport, marking a major shift in Indonesia’s infrastructure and tourism strategy. As of June 30, 2025, this project is now a top national priority, with the government moving quickly to turn plans into action. The airport will be built in Buleleng Regency, specifically in the Kubutambahan district, and is expected to transform not just Bali, but Indonesia’s position in the global tourism and business landscape.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
President Prabowo’s decision to greenlight the North Bali International Airport comes after years of debate and planning. The official approval was given through Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025, which includes the airport in Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2025–2029. The announcement was made public on June 27, 2025, by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, who confirmed that technical preparations are complete. The only steps left are the final decision from the Ministry of Transportation and the official groundbreaking ceremony.
The airport will be located in the Kubutambahan district of Buleleng, about two hours from Denpasar, Bali’s current main city for tourism and business. Construction is set to begin in mid-2025, with the first runway expected to be finished by the end of 2027. PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the project developer, has stated that all technical and financial preparations are ready, and they are waiting for the final government go-ahead.
Why is This Project Important?
The North Bali International Airport is more than just a new travel hub. It represents a major policy shift for Indonesia 🇮🇩, aiming to spread economic growth more evenly across Bali. For decades, Bali’s tourism and business have been centered in the south, leading to overcrowding and traffic problems at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. The new airport is designed to relieve this pressure and bring new opportunities to the north, which has been less developed.
President Prabowo sees the airport as a way to make Bali a regional hub, similar to Singapore 🇸🇬 and Hong Kong 🇭🇰. He has called for bold thinking and strong infrastructure to keep Bali at the top of global tourism destinations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this project is expected to have a wide impact on tourism, business, and the local community.
Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
Several important groups and leaders are involved in making the North Bali International Airport a reality:
- President Prabowo Subianto: He is the driving force behind the project, pushing for fast action and big ideas to keep Bali competitive.
- Local Government: The Regent of Buleleng, I Nyoman Sutjidra, has shown full support and is waiting for more guidance from the central government. He stresses the need for all levels of government to work together.
- Provincial Authorities: Governor Wayan Koster supports the airport as a way to speed up development in Bali’s north and west, areas that have not grown as quickly as the south.
- Community and Academics: Local academics and community leaders want to make sure the project fits with Bali’s culture, economy, and tourism needs. They are calling for careful studies and community involvement.
What Will the Airport Change?
The North Bali International Airport is expected to bring several big changes:
- Tourism and Economic Growth:
- It will help reduce congestion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in the south.
- It will create new jobs and business opportunities in northern Bali.
- It will help spread economic growth more evenly across the island, reducing the gap between north and south.
- Infrastructure Integration:
- The airport will be connected to a new highway, making it easier for travelers to reach other parts of Bali.
- The design will include Balinese architectural features, blending modern needs with local culture.
- National Strategic Importance:
- The airport is part of a larger plan that includes new highways and a Bali metro system, all aimed at boosting Indonesia’s infrastructure between 2025 and 2029.
Timeline and Next Steps
The project has a clear timeline:
- Mid-2025:
Construction is set to start, once the Ministry of Transportation gives its final approval and the groundbreaking ceremony is held. - End of 2027:
The first runway should be completed, allowing the airport to begin operations. - Ongoing:
Coordination between central, provincial, and local governments will continue, along with community engagement and impact studies.
Challenges and Different Points of View
While the project has strong support, it also faces some challenges:
- Political Opposition:
Some national leaders, like PDIP chair Megawati Sukarnoputri, have criticized the project. They argue that it may not be the best use of resources and that supporting infrastructure should be finished first. - Airline Viability:
There are concerns about whether enough flights will use the new airport to make it profitable. Local officials stress the need for careful planning and talks with airlines to avoid empty flights and financial losses. - Community and Environmental Concerns:
Some people worry about the impact on local culture, the environment, and people’s livelihoods. They want thorough research and community input before moving forward.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The idea for a North Bali airport is not new. It has been discussed since at least 2016, but only gained real momentum under President Prabowo’s administration. The main goal is to spread tourism and business more evenly across Bali, which has long been focused on the south. By building a major airport in the north, Indonesia 🇮🇩 hopes to create a new center for tourism, business, and culture.
Why North Bali?
Bali is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, but most visitors stay in the south. This has led to overcrowding, traffic jams, and pressure on local resources. The north, on the other hand, has beautiful beaches, mountains, and cultural sites, but has not seen the same level of development. By building the North Bali International Airport, the government hopes to:
- Attract more tourists to the north
- Create new jobs and businesses
- Reduce pressure on the south
- Make Bali more competitive with other global tourism hubs
How Will the Airport Affect Immigration and Travel?
The new airport is expected to make it easier for international travelers to visit Bali, especially those coming from countries outside Asia. Right now, most international flights land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in the south. The North Bali International Airport will give airlines and travelers more options, possibly leading to:
- More direct international flights to Bali
- Shorter travel times for people visiting the north
- New visa and immigration facilities to handle increased arrivals
For travelers and businesses, this means easier access to northern Bali’s attractions and opportunities. For immigration officials, it means planning for new facilities, staff, and procedures to handle more visitors.
What Does This Mean for Local Communities?
The airport is expected to bring big changes to local communities in northern Bali. Some of the possible effects include:
- New Jobs: Construction and airport operations will create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly.
- Business Opportunities: Hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour companies are likely to open or expand in the area.
- Cultural Changes: More visitors could lead to changes in local culture and traditions. Community leaders are calling for careful planning to protect Bali’s unique heritage.
- Environmental Impact: Building a large airport and new roads can affect the environment. There are calls for strong environmental protections and careful planning to limit damage.
Official Oversight and Contacts
Several government agencies and organizations are involved in the project:
- Ministry of Transportation (Indonesia): Responsible for final site approval and making sure the airport meets all rules and standards. For official updates, visit the Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation.
- PT BIBU Panji Sakti: The main developer, handling technical and construction details.
- Provincial Government of Bali: In charge of local coordination and making sure the community is involved.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for North Bali International Airport?
The future of the North Bali International Airport depends on several factors:
- Government Coordination: Central, provincial, and local governments must keep working together to solve problems and keep the project on track.
- Community Engagement: Local people need to be involved in decisions, especially about land use, culture, and the environment.
- Integration with Other Projects: The airport is just one part of a bigger plan that includes new highways and a metro system. All parts must work together for the best results.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: As the project moves forward, the government and developers will need to watch for problems and make changes as needed.
Potential Benefits for Indonesia
If successful, the North Bali International Airport could bring many benefits to Indonesia 🇮🇩:
- Economic Growth: New jobs, businesses, and investment in northern Bali.
- Tourism Expansion: More visitors from around the world, with easier access to all parts of Bali.
- Regional Competition: A stronger position for Indonesia in the global tourism and business market, able to compete with major airports in Singapore 🇸🇬 and Hong Kong 🇭🇰.
- Balanced Development: Less pressure on southern Bali, with more balanced growth across the island.
Risks and Things to Watch
While the project has many supporters, there are also risks:
- Financial Risks: If not enough airlines and travelers use the airport, it could lose money.
- Environmental Risks: Building a large airport can harm local ecosystems if not managed carefully.
- Cultural Risks: Rapid change can threaten local traditions and ways of life.
What Should Stakeholders Do Now?
For travelers, businesses, and local residents, the best steps now are:
- Stay Informed: Follow official updates from the Ministry of Transportation and local government.
- Get Involved: Community members should take part in meetings and share their views.
- Plan Ahead: Businesses can start thinking about new opportunities in northern Bali.
- Watch for Changes: As construction begins, watch for updates on timelines, job openings, and new travel options.
Conclusion
The North Bali International Airport is set to become one of Indonesia’s 🇮🇩 most important infrastructure projects in the coming years. With strong support from President Prabowo and key government leaders, the project aims to transform Bali’s economy, spread growth more evenly, and boost Indonesia’s role in global tourism. However, success will depend on careful planning, community involvement, and ongoing government coordination. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airport’s progress will be closely watched by many, both in Indonesia and around the world.
For the latest official information and updates, readers can visit the Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation.
By keeping an eye on developments and staying involved, all stakeholders can help ensure that the North Bali International Airport brings lasting benefits to Bali, Indonesia, and the wider region.
Learn Today
North Bali International Airport → A new airport project to boost tourism and economic growth in northern Bali by 2027.
Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025 → The official Indonesian government approval document that includes the airport in national development plans.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport → Bali’s current main international airport located in the southern region facing congestion issues.
PT BIBU Panji Sakti → The project developer responsible for technical and financial preparations of North Bali Airport.
RPJMN (National Medium-Term Development Plan) → Indonesia’s strategic government plan outlining development goals from 2025 to 2029, including infrastructure projects.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indonesia is building North Bali International Airport, starting mid-2025, to boost tourism and economic growth, easing overcrowding in southern Bali’s main airport and attracting international flights. This major infrastructure aims to transform Bali’s north with new jobs, business, and modern facilities aligned with local culture and environment.
— By VisaVerge.com
