Jakarta. The Transportation Ministry has reiterated its backing for the planned North Bali International Airport, but stressed that the multibillion-dollar project must follow all administrative, technical, and environmental procedures to ensure accountability and sustainability.

Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation at the ministry, said Saturday that while the government fully supports the airport’s construction, it will only proceed once requirements are met, including the finalization of Bali Province’s spatial planning.

“The government fully supports the development of North Bali Airport, but all requirements must be met to ensure it proceeds in line with existing regulations,” Lukman said in a statement.

The North Bali Airport has been under discussion for over a decade, with several competing proposals and delays. The project, estimated to cost Rp 50 trillion ($3.1 billion) with a land area of about 500 hectares, is aimed at alleviating congestion at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is operating close to full capacity. Officials say the new facility would help redistribute passenger traffic away from South Bali, where the island’s sole international gateway is currently located.

Lukman pointed to a 2020 letter from the Bali governor that canceled an earlier proposed site in Kubutambahan and suggested a new location in Sumberklampok. He said the letter should serve as a key reference for decision-makers.

The central government has also urged Bali authorities to ensure that the chosen land is free of disputes and legal encumbrances and that any community land acquisition is carried out comprehensively to prevent delays.

Lukman said that if a new location overlaps with the West Bali National Park, it can only be used with approval from the Minister of Forestry. Should the provincial government propose another alternative site outside Sumberklampok, it would be required to formally revoke the previous request and submit a new one under current regulations.

Under Indonesian law, the formal request to establish a new airport can be made by the government, regional administrations, state-owned companies, regional-owned companies, or licensed private entities.

“As the regulator of civil aviation, our role is to ensure that airport development complies with national regulations and international standards, guided by the principles of safety, security, service, and compliance,” Lukman said. “We will continue to monitor every stage of the project to make sure it is transparent, compliant, and prioritizes aviation safety.”

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