Bali Airport Revival: Prabowo Subianto Revives Second Airport Project

Bali’s long-awaited second airport is reportedly getting a fresh lease on life under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. According to sources, Subianto is keen on reviving the stalled project, aiming to ease congestion at Bali’s main airport and alleviate overcrowding in popular tourist areas.

Location and Goals

Plans indicate that the new airport will be built in Kubutambahan district, Buleleng regency, in northern Bali. By adding another airport, the government hopes to alleviate traffic congestion at the existing I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Additionally, it aims to reduce overcrowding in southern Bali’s popular tourist hotspots, such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

A History of Delays

Plans for a second airport in Bali were initially announced in 2020. China Construction First Group was slated to finance and construct the airport, partnering with Jakarta-based Bibu Panji Sakti. However, the project faced opposition from Megawati Soekarnoputri, then-chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), leading to its suspension.

President Prabowo’s Upcoming Visit

Adding further fuel to speculation, Bali gubernatorial candidate Made Muliawan Arya, known as ‘De Gadjah,’ recently revealed that President Prabowo Subianto plans to visit Bali in early November. While the purpose remains unclear, De Gadjah believes it signifies Subianto’s commitment to Bali and support for Gerindra cadres contesting in the 2024 Regional Election.

“We do not know whether [Prabowo Subianto’s] visit to Bali is as the General Chair of the Gerindra Party or the President. What is clear, though, is that this is his first visit after taking office,” stated De Gadjah.

Stay Tuned

With President Subianto’s expressed interest and upcoming visit, the future of Bali’s second airport appears promising. Keep an eye out for further developments and announcements regarding this significant infrastructure project.