Prabowo Aims to Transform Bali into ‘The New Singapore’ with International Airport Initiative
Ambitious Vision for Bali’s Economic Future
Ohana Magazine – DENPASAR, BALI: Indonesia’s newly-inaugurated President Prabowo has pledged to transform Bali into “the new Singapore” or “the new Hong Kong” through the establishment of a new international airport. During a luncheon event in Denpasar on November 3, he announced his commitment to construct the North Bali International Airport, emphasizing the importance of creating an economic center in the region.
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Proposed Airport Location and Investment Potential
The proposed airport will be located in the Buleleng regency, the largest and most populated area in northern Bali, which is more than two hours by car from Denpasar. Prabowo stated, “Indonesia must prosper and remain fair. All Indonesians should enjoy prosperity, not just a few,” garnering enthusiastic applause from attendees, including local governors and mayoral candidates from his Gerindra Party.
He urged the candidates to “work hard” and “think big,” insisting that ambitious projects previously deemed impossible could be accomplished. The plan for the North Bali International Airport aligns with campaign promises made by candidates Made Muliawan Arya and Putu Agus Suradnyana, backed by Prabowo’s coalition.
Historical Context of Bali’s Development
The regional elections are set for November 27, and local reports suggest that potential investor PT Bandara Internasional Bali Utara (BIBU) could inject approximately 17 trillion rupiah (US$1.07 billion) into the airport project, which will span 600 hectares.
Historically, Bali’s development has focused on its southern region, which attracts the majority of foreign tourists, mainly due to its proximity to the only international airport, Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The idea of an airport in Buleleng was first proposed during the governorship of Made Mangku Pastika from 2008 to 2018. In 2014, Pastika recommended sites in Gerokgak or Kubutambahan districts to alleviate congestion at Ngurah Rai Airport.
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Opposition to Previous Airport Plans
Pastika pointed out the long wait times at the current airport, stating, “If I want to fly to Jakarta, the queue can take half an hour to an hour.” Megawati argued that the new airport would primarily benefit tourists, suggesting instead the expansion of existing facilities at Ngurah Rai Airport. In August, Luhut Pandjaitan, the former Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, reiterated plans for a light rail transit system to connect the airport with popular tourist areas like Kuta, highlighting ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing Bali’s connectivity.
Efforts to Manage Tourism Growth
On September 3, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno announced a temporary halt to new hotel and villa constructions in southern Bali to curb overdevelopment and protect agricultural land. With over 15 million tourists visiting Bali in 2023, the provincial government anticipates a steady increase in visitor numbers, striving toward Indonesia’s goal of welcoming 14 million tourists by the end of the year.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Bali’s Economic Landscape
As Bali navigates this critical development phase, Prabowo’s airport initiative could mark a significant turning point in the island’s economic landscape, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and further tourism growth.
