North Bali International Airport Gains Momentum as Presidential Palace Moves to Follow Through on Development Commitment

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman Meets Bali Traditional Leaders, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Balanced Regional Development

GIANYAR – Indonesia’s plan to develop the North Bali International Airport (NBIA) has gained fresh momentum following a meeting between Presidential Chief of Staff Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Dudung Abdurachman and traditional Balinese royal leaders (Ida Penglingsir Se-Jebag Bali) in Blahbatuh, Gianyar.

The meeting underscored the central government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development aimed at reducing the long-standing economic disparity between southern and northern Bali.

Dudung’s visit is widely seen as a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s pledge to establish an international airport in North Bali, a project that has been formally included in Indonesia’s 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) under Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025.

Former Bali Governor and retired National Police General I Made Mangku Pastika emphasized that the airport is expected to become a catalyst for equitable economic growth across Bali, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.

“My struggle since 2015 has never been for personal interests, but for the people of North Bali, where many communities still live in poverty. The construction of North Bali International Airport will help end this development gap,” I Made Mangku Pastika said.

Police Commissioner General (Ret.) I Made Mangku Pastika.

According to Pastika, many residents in northern Bali continue to face limited economic opportunities and inadequate living conditions compared to those in the island’s southern tourism centers.

Responding to the aspirations of the traditional leaders, Dudung confirmed that his visit was specifically intended to advance discussions on the airport project.

General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Dudung Abdurachman, Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) of the Republic of Indonesia.

“I received a call from Aries Marsudiyanto, Head of the Special Development Control and Investigation Agency (Bappisus), to follow up on the North Bali International Airport project. Tomorrow I am scheduled to meet with the Governor of Bali, the Minister of Public Works, and the Head of Bappisus,” Dudung Abdurachman stated.

Having previously served as Company Commander of Infantry Battalion 741/Satya Bhakti Wirottama during his military career in Bali, Dudung said he understands firsthand the development imbalance between the island’s northern and southern regions.

The proposed airport is planned to be constructed offshore near Kubutambahan District, Buleleng Regency, a concept intended to minimize land acquisition while avoiding displacement of local communities and preserving sacred temples.

Anak Agung Ngurah Ugrasena of Puri Agung Singaraja (Puri Gde Buleleng).

Traditional leader Anak Agung Ngurah Ugrasena of Puri Agung Singaraja also responded to discussions surrounding an alternative proposal for an international airport in western Bali.

“Every proposal is legitimate. However, any development must truly represent Bali’s long-term interests,” Anak Agung Ngurah Ugrasena said.

He argued that an airport in western Bali would require careful consideration because of its proximity to East Java, conservation areas, protected forests within West Bali National Park, and several culturally significant sites.

“Ultimately, this is the President’s decision, in line with his commitment and the implementation of the 2025–2029 RPJMN,” he added.

The North Bali International Airport project is expected to become one of Indonesia’s major strategic infrastructure developments. The government has emphasized that the project will prioritize regional economic equality while relying on private investment rather than the state budget.

Editor: Ray