IndonesianTalk.com — Prabowo Calls for North Bali Airport to Accommodate Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has called for the New Bali Airport in Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency, to be developed as a major international gateway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, according to project representatives involved in discussions with the government.
The proposal is in line with Bali Provincial Regulation No. 2 of 2023, which designates two separate aviation facilities in Buleleng Regency. Under the regulation, Letkol Wisnu Airfield is intended to serve small aircraft, while the New Bali Airport is planned as a commercial airport designed to handle large international aircraft.
The distinction between the two facilities was also discussed during a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development on July 30, 2026. Participants discussed a proposal to further develop Letkol Wisnu Airfield as a dedicated airport for light aircraft and private jets.
Officials involved in the discussions said the proposal reflects the geographical and environmental constraints surrounding the existing airfield. The area is now surrounded by dense residential settlements, while hills lie to the south, east and west. Mangrove forests and coastal waters border the northern side of the airfield. Sacred Hindu temples, some dating back hundreds or even thousands of years, are located on several nearby hilltops, making large-scale airport expansion increasingly challenging.
In contrast, the New Bali Airport planned in Kubutambahan is intended to become North Bali’s primary commercial aviation hub, with infrastructure capable of serving long-haul international flights operated by wide-body aircraft.
According to PT Pembangunan Bali Mandiri (PEMBARI), the project’s developer, the issue was discussed directly during a meeting between President Prabowo and PEMBARI President Commissioner Baringin Panggabean at the President’s residence in Hambalang, West Java, on July 14, 2026.
During the meeting, Prabowo reportedly instructed that construction of the Kubutambahan airport be accelerated and emphasized that the airport should be designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380. He also requested that the project be completed within three years.
The airport project was reportedly raised again during a plenary Cabinet meeting at the State Palace on July 20, 2026, when President Prabowo reviewed the government’s performance and reiterated the need to accelerate strategic national infrastructure projects.
Among the priorities discussed was the development of a large-capacity international airport in North Bali, in line with Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025 concerning the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
If the current plans proceed as outlined, North Bali will eventually operate two complementary aviation facilities. Letkol Wisnu Airfield will function as a dedicated airport for light aircraft and private jets, while the New Bali Airport in Kubutambahan will serve as Bali’s new international gateway for wide-body commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
Supporters of the project argue that the dual-airport model would improve air connectivity, expand tourism capacity, and stimulate economic growth in the island’s northern region while allowing each airport to serve distinct operational roles based on their geographical characteristics and infrastructure capabilities.
