Tourism in Bali continues to gain momentum, and with the increasing flow of travelers, the need for new transportation solutions is also growing. Bali is already developing a system of above-ground electric trains and railways, working on improving road infrastructure, and even has its own water taxi service. The Department of Transportation isn't stopping there.
A new idea has been proposed – floating airports for light seaplanes. Conveniently, there's no need to build a runway for such an airport, as it can use a regular, but preferably calm, water surface. This means that theoretically, implementing a network of such small airports won't take much time.
"The operation of floating airports for seaplanes in archipelagic countries like Indonesia can not only improve connectivity but also provide a new opportunity for Indonesian regions to attract tourists," said Robbie Kurniawan, head of the transportation policy agency at the Ministry of Transportation.
He also noted that water airports have great potential for the country, as they can provide connections between provinces and cities and remote coastal areas.
Furthermore, they can connect travelers from hub airports to water-based tourist destinations and serve as the primary mode of transportation for island and archipelagic areas, particularly in border, remote, and underdeveloped regions.
Bali was chosen as the pilot region for this transportation innovation. The choice is explained by the highest number of tourist visits, both domestic and international. Kurniawan added that, among other things, Bali has a well-developed aviation industry. For example, helicopter flights are in high demand here. Seaplanes could fit into this niche as well.
He confirmed that his department has already conducted a seaplane test at Mertasari Beach in Sanur. "The tests were conducted to make this area the first seaplane hub in Indonesia, which will later be connected to other such airports," he explained.
The head of Bali's transportation agency, I Gde Wayan Samsi Gunarta, also supports the idea. He believes that the program could have a positive impact on tourism in Bali. According to him, there are three aspects that still need to be studied before the seaplane officially operates: technical, economic, and environmental feasibility.
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