President Prabowo Subianto has given his approval for the development of the long-anticipated North Bali International Airport (BIBU), according to Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar.
“We have received the president’s endorsements. We have readied the technical aspects, and we will strive to make North Bali International Airport a reality very soon,” Iskandar said on Thursday.
Aiming to Rebalance Bali’s Economy
Iskandar emphasized that a second airport in the northern part of Bali would help boost the economy in the region, which has long lagged behind the island’s south. He said the facility would not only support tourism but also contribute to broader economic development.
“The president is committed to accelerating development in Bali Island, including sophisticated healthcare facilities, world-class access for tourists, and modern accommodation facilities,” he said.
Prabowo is also eyeing regional competition. “We must not lose to neighboring countries. The only place in this republic that qualifies for challenging airports in those countries is Bali,” Iskandar quoted the president as saying.
Awaiting Final Location Decision
The project has been listed as a priority in Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2025–2029. The Transportation Ministry is currently finalizing the airport’s exact location before construction can begin.
The new airport will be supported by a highway and facilities designed with Balinese cultural aesthetics in mind, Iskandar added.
Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko Hariwibowo, president director of PT BIBU Panji Sakti—the developer behind the project—confirmed that progress has gone according to plan. “We are optimistic and only need to wait a little longer, perhaps a few months. Everything has been ready. We are now waiting for the groundbreaking date,” he said.
