The Indonesian Transportation Ministry has reaffirmed its support for the long-discussed North Bali International Airport, stressing that the project will only move forward once all administrative, technical, and environmental requirements are fulfilled. Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said the government is committed to easing congestion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is nearing full capacity, but insisted that accountability and sustainability must guide the multibillion-dollar plan. The airport, valued at around IDR 50 trillion (USD 3.1 billion) and requiring 500 hectares of land, has faced over a decade of delays and revisions. A 2020 letter from the Bali governor cancelled an earlier site in Kubutambahan and suggested a new location in Sumberklampok, which the ministry says should serve as a reference for decision-makers.
Authorities have urged Bali’s provincial government to ensure that the chosen site is free from land disputes and legal issues, and that community land acquisition is handled transparently to avoid setbacks. If the proposed site overlaps with the West Bali National Park, the project can only proceed with the Forestry Ministry’s approval. Should provincial authorities opt for another location, they must formally revoke the current proposal and submit a new one under existing regulations. Lukman emphasised that the ministry, as the aviation regulator, will oversee each stage to guarantee compliance with national and international standards, prioritising safety, security, and transparency
