The Northern Bali International Airport project is back in the spotlight: President Prabowo Subianto has given the go-ahead, and developer PT BIBU Panji Sakti promises to start construction this year after years of delays.
The company's CEO, Erwanto Sad Adiyatmoko, claims that all necessary documentation, including the government's Penlok on land allocation, is ready. The foundation stone laying ceremony is scheduled for the coming months. Approximately 50 trillion rupiahs are allocated for the construction of runways, terminals, and associated infrastructure — aerotropolis, aero city, and highway connections. Furthermore, according to Erwanto, funding will be fully provided by Chinese partners without any state budget allocation. Investors assure that the airport opening will create over 200,000 jobs and be a significant economic boost for Northern Bali.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster approaches the plan cautiously, reminding that it is still unclear how supporting facilities will be funded. Jakarta is more optimistic: Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Affairs, Chak Imin, sees the new hub as a chance to attract the world's most expensive tours to the island and compete with Singapore as a venue for major concerts.
The project is already included in the National Medium-Term Development Plan for 2025–2029. Once the remaining administrative formalities are completed, construction can transition to the physical phase. If promises are fulfilled, the northern regions of the island will finally gain a long-awaited growth point, attracting investments, tourists, and attention that have so far been focused on southern Bali.
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