A bold new airport is coming to North Bali—fully funded by private investors and poised to reshape the island’s future. But is it the answer to Bali’s inequality, or a risky mega gamble?
After being stalled for nearly a decade, the construction of the North Bali International Airport (BIBU) is finally gaining traction. In early July 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially approved the airport’s development, according to Tempo.co and Detik.com. What sets this project apart? Its estimated Rp 50 trillion investment will come entirely from foreign and local private investors—no APBN (state budget) involvement.
Located in Buleleng Regency, the project aims to transform Bali’s neglected north into a thriving economic corridor while easing pressure on the congested south.
Why Is a New Airport in North Bali Needed?
Today, nearly all of Bali’s tourism and infrastructure is concentrated in the south—areas like Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar, which house tourism hotspots such as Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud. The island’s only international airport, Ngurah Rai, is nearing capacity, recording 23.6 million passengers in 2024, just shy of its 24 million annual limit (Channel News Asia).
Meanwhile, North Bali remains underdeveloped. The northern regency of Buleleng, despite having over 826,000 residents, suffers from high poverty and unemployment. Poor road access means it takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Ngurah Rai from Buleleng. According to Detik.com, only 600,000 of Bali’s 16.3 million tourists in 2024 visited North Bali.
“We have obtained approval from the President. All technical aspects are prepared, and we will strive to realize the North Bali Airport soon,” said Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for People’s Empowerment, quoted by Tempo.co, July 6, 2025.
What’s Included in the North Bali Airport Project?
The plan isn’t just to build an airport—it’s to build an entire economic ecosystem. Backed by PT BIBU Panji Sakti and China-based investors, the project includes:
- An international airport capable of handling 50 million passengers per year
- A 60 km toll road connecting Kubutambahan to Mengwi
- A rail link to Ngurah Rai International Airport
- A new aerotropolis featuring:
- Five-star hotels
- A convention center
- A film and media district branded as Baliwood
- Five-star hotels
According to PT BIBU CEO Erwanto Hariwibowo, if all permits are secured, one runway could be operational by 2027. The airport is also included in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Final Thoughts: A Vision Worth Watching
The North Bali Airport project represents a pivotal shift in how Indonesia approaches development: regional equity, private-sector leadership, and decentralization. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for smart infrastructure planning in other parts of the archipelago.
But with unresolved environmental, economic, and regulatory questions, the project remains one to watch closely. Its success will depend on inclusive governance, transparent planning, and sustainable growth.
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📚 Sources:
- Tempo.co – “Prabowo Approves North Bali Airport” (July 2025)
- Detik.com – “Bandara Bali Utara Rp 50 T Tanpa Sentuh APBN”
- [Channel News Asia – “Ngurah Rai Airport Nearing Capacity”]
