IndonesianTalk.com — Prabowo backs acceleration of North Bali airport project in Kubutambahan
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has expressed support for accelerating the development of the North Bali International Airport in Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency, as part of the government’s broader strategy to promote more balanced economic growth and infrastructure development across Bali.
The commitment was conveyed during a meeting on Tuesday at the President’s residence in Hambalang, West Java, between Prabowo and PT Pembangunan Bali Mandiri (Pembari) president commissioner Baringin Panggabean. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi also attended the meeting.
During the discussion, Baringin briefed the President on the latest progress of the airport project, which has been included in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) under Presidential Regulation No. 12/2025.
According to Baringin, the President encouraged all stakeholders to accelerate the project’s implementation, citing the growing need for a second international airport in Bali as passenger traffic continues to increase while the existing I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport approaches its capacity limits.
Prabowo also sought clarification on the airport’s technical readiness, particularly its ability to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
Baringin said the airport had been designed from the outset to handle large commercial aircraft, in line with a feasibility study that has received approval from the Transportation Ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The proposed airport is estimated to require an investment of between Rp 18 trillion (US$1.1 billion) and Rp 20 trillion. The project is expected to be financed entirely through private investment, without relying on the state budget.
Creating a new growth center
The government views the airport as a key catalyst for developing northern Bali, which has historically lagged behind the island’s more developed southern tourism corridor.
Officials expect the project to stimulate new economic activity, create employment opportunities and encourage further investment in tourism, logistics and supporting services in Buleleng and surrounding areas.
By improving connectivity and expanding aviation capacity, the airport is also expected to help distribute tourist arrivals more evenly across the island, reducing pressure on southern Bali while opening new opportunities for regional development.
