Major Development Looms in North Bali with New International Airport Plan

Introduction

The serene northern coast of Bali, known for its unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and vibrant traditional villages, is on the brink of dramatic transformation. With plans for a new international airport in the Buleleng Regency, the area, often overlooked by tourists flocking to the bustling south, is poised to undergo significant changes that could reshape its future.

The Planned International Airport

The Indonesian government has announced an ambitious project to construct a new international airport that will create an artificial island off the northern shores of Bali, reclaiming an estimated 900 hectares of the Bali Sea. Designed to resemble a giant turtle, this airport will feature two runways capable of accommodating the Airbus A380, the world’s largest commercial aircraft, along with a jetty for seaplanes.

In addition to the airport, extensive infrastructure including shopping malls, convention centers, and hotels is slated for construction as part of a newly developed metropolis projected to rival Singaraja, the largest city in North Bali. Furthermore, the vision includes developing Buleleng as a film production hub, nicknamed “Baliwood.”

Infrastructure Enhancements

In a bid to improve connectivity, the project also encompasses the construction of a 60 km toll road linking the north with Mengwi, situated near Denpasar, alongside a 100 km rail network that connects Kubutambahan with the existing Ngurah Rai Airport. These developments will traverse a mountainous terrain that is home to rich biodiversity. Additionally, plans are in place to upgrade the ports along the north coast, which currently only accommodate traditional fishing boats, to welcome larger vessels such as speedboats, yachts, and cruise ships.

Economic Impact and Community Reactions

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been a prominent supporter of the project, advocating the potential of transforming North Bali into a major hub for tourism and investment. “We will turn Bali into the new Singapore, the new Hong Kong with the airport area as its epicenter,” he stated during a speech on November 3. For many residents, particularly those in Buleleng, these plans inspire hope for economic revitalization. With a significant unemployment rate and many residents migrating to the south or abroad for work opportunities, local leaders like Made Sudirsa, chief of Bulian village, express optimism. “We hope these projects will boost our economy and create jobs,” he said.

However, this sentiment is not universal. Skepticism looms among some residents who fear the potential for displacement and environmental degradation similar to what has occurred in the south. Community voices like Ketut Artawan of Kubutambahan recall negative changes brought on by previous development and express a desire to preserve the region’s unique character.

A Divided Perspective

The impending transformation of North Bali’s landscape has elicited mixed feelings from local and southern Bali residents. Some, such as Anak Agung Ngurah Sukarsana, a Balinese nobleman, recognize the need to enhance tourism to support the northern communities while balancing the pressures of tourism in the south. He stated, “It is important for us in the south to also think about our brothers in the north.”

Conversely, tour agency owner Putu Yoga emphasizes the unique aspect of North Bali, where visitors often seek tranquility away from the crowded southern beaches. “If North Bali ends up looking just like the south, these people will not come to Bali and go elsewhere,” he cautioned.

Concerns Over Feasibility

Despite vocal support, numerous experts question the feasibility and projected profitability of the new airport. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for the new airport to join the ranks of underutilized facilities in Indonesia, such as Kertajati Airport in West Java, which currently sees limited traffic.

Additionally, the project’s funding has become a contentious issue following recent budget cuts by the Indonesian government, posing a challenge to achieving these lofty ambitions.

The Need for Development

As Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport nears capacity, operating at almost 24 million passengers a year, the need for a second airport has become more urgent. The existing airport’s growth has been hindered by physical constraints, making the establishment of a northern counterpart seem increasingly necessary to avoid exacerbating congestion and accommodating future tourism growth.

Bali tourism agency chief Tjok Bagus Pemayun reiterated the call for equitable development across the island, stating, “We have underdeveloped regions which receive very little tourists… One way to do that is to build a second airport in Buleleng.”

Future Developments

The long-discussed idea of a northern airport may finally come to fruition, given the recent progress and agreements with potential investors. BIBU Panji Sakti has reportedly signed a deal with Chinese firm ChangYe Construction Group to fund the construction, highlighting the growing interest in achieving this ambitious goal.

While the exact timeline for completion remains uncertain, the potential impact of the North Bali International Airport on the region’s economy, environment, and cultural landscape will be closely monitored as developments unfold.

Conclusion

As the vision of an international airport becomes more concrete, North Bali stands at a crossroads. The challenge will be to balance growth and development with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The region’s transformation could either forge a promising future or prompt concerns over the consequences of rapid development. Only time will tell how these efforts will shape the landscape of Bali and its communities.