The team behind the long-anticipated North Bali International Airport Project has confirmed that they have taken a huge step forward in bringing the development to life.
The North Bali International Airport will be Bali’s second international airport, located in Buleleng Regency, and is set to surpass the capacity of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International in Denpasar.
The President Director of PT BIBU Panji Sakti, Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko, revealed to reporters that the construction of the airport could start as early as the end of 2025.
Adiatmoko told the media, “This year it must be. Maybe a matter of months. I am not ahead of God. We are waiting for the location of the groundbreaking (penlok) has also to be prepared by the Ministry of Transportation. Just wait for time.”
Adiatmoko also revealed that the funds for the project have been secured a total of IDR 50 trillion, equivalent to USD 3.09 billion. The funds will also be used to build other supporting facilities such as the Aerotropolis, Aerocity, and integrated toll roads.
He also revealed that funding has been secured from completely private sources, and the North Bali International Airport will be funded separately from the state budget, though it is listed in the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, published by President Prabowo Subianto.
Adiatmoko told reporters, “Funding is not a problem, do not use even one rupiah of the state budget.” Private investors from China have agreed to back the project. He also revealed that the development will create more than 200,000 jobs once the airport opens its doors.
Indonesia’s Minister for Community Empowerment, Abdul Muhaimin Iskander, told reporters that from the government’s perspective, the project will go ahead as soon as the final location has been identified and the land secured.
Minister Iskander told reporters, “I talked to the president many times, and the president is also okay. The president’s blessing has been obtained, technical equipment has been prepared and we will continue to try and realize the North Bali International Airport as soon as possible.
He was clear that the development of the North Bali International Airport is just one of many steps the government is supporting to help increase economic prosperity.
Minister Iskander shared “With the construction of North Bali International Airport will attract the acceleration of economic development in the North.”
He continued to share that President Subianto is keen to ensure that Indonesia remains a frontrunner in development in Southeast Asia and is committed to developing projects in a timely manner during his tenure.
Minister Iskander explained, “As the president said, we cannot lose to neighbouring countries. And the only [project] in this republic is qualified to be able to quickly defeat the neighboring country is [North Bali Airport] and everything is fulfilled.”
President Subianto has been a longstanding supporter of the development of North Bali International Airport and his promise to bring the project to life was one of his big pledges to Bali Province during his electoral campaign. Shortly after becoming President, in early November 2024, President Subtianto visited Bali to follow up on his campaign pledge.
Speaking in Denpasar he shared “North Bali Airport as I have conveyed that I am committed, I want to build North Bali International Airport.”
He added, “We will make Bali make the new Singapore, the new Hong Kong, where we will be the center of this region.” Calling for support from the audience he shared “Indonesia must be prosperous, and Indonesia must be prosperous and fair; all Indonesians must enjoy prosperity, not just a few people, agree?”
Initial plans suggest that North Bali International Airport will have the capacity to serve 32 million annual passengers and feature an aerocity, what is being described as an aerotropolis, a power plant, retail, lifestyle, and entertainment facilities, and much more
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