While PT BIBU Panji Sakti reports securing funds for constructing an international airport in northern Bali, Governor Wayan Koster publicly questions the feasibility of these plans. 'BIBU intends to build, but where is the money?' he asked journalists after the provincial government meeting. The project is valued at $3.09 billion.
Koster emphasized that he has not yet received clear explanations from the central authorities, despite Minister Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar's statements about presidential support. According to the governor, the provincial government was not even informed about the intention to start construction this year.
PT BIBU CEO Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko-Harivibowo promised to meet with Koster and present the project details. The company plans three runways, a passenger terminal, and an aerotropolis — a new city around the airport. The announced investment volume has increased to $5.5 billion: $3 billion is expected to come from China, $1.5 billion from Qatar, and $1 billion from Japan.
The governor, however, is more concerned about the costs of the accompanying infrastructure. Erwanto claims that the company has fulfilled all requirements for site selection and sent a letter to the transport minister back in March 2025, but permission for construction in Kubutambahan is still pending.
Doubts are heightened by bureaucratic procedures and the experience of other Indonesian projects: the Kertajati and Dhoho airports in Java still do not operate at full capacity. Koster demands clear financial guarantees and coordination with regional authorities before Bali commits to any obligations.
The Deputy Speaker of the Bali Parliament, Ida Gede Komang Kresna Budi, supported the project, expressing hope that the new airport will create jobs for the local youth. However, the gap between political support and administrative practice remains significant. Until PT BIBU executives present a convincing financing and cooperation plan with the province, the prospects for Bali's northern airport remain uncertain.
Source: detik, tribunnews
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