Ministry Of Transportation Affirms Support For North Bali Airport, As Long As It Is In Accordance With The Rules

The discourse on the construction of North Bali Airport received the green light from the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub). However, the central government emphasized that the project could only run if the entire process complied with applicable legal rules and procedures.

Based on PP Number 40 of 2012 and Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number PM 55 of 2023, the construction of North Bali Airport must have a Location Determination (Penlok) by the Minister of Transportation.

This penlok was proposed by the initiator of the airport, which could be in the form of a Government, Regional Government, BUMN, BUMD, or Indonesian Legal Entity.

Meanwhile, in the 2025'2029 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN), there are indications of the construction of the New Bali International Airport or North Bali as a tourism support project, but without specifying a specific location. Then, the Bali Provincial Government proposed a location to the Ministry of Transportation.

Originally proposed and determined in Kubu Village was added. However, it was canceled and replaced to Sumberklampok Village, according to the Letter of the Governor of Bali Number 553.2/7822/DISHUB dated November 19, 2020.

Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said the Ministry of Transportation is obliged to ensure that every air transportation infrastructure program runs in accordance with national regulations, international safety standards, and the principle of sustainable development.

"The construction of North Bali Airport is a strategic step to support economic growth and equity on the island of Bali. The entire process must be carried out in an orderly, transparent, and in accordance with legal provisions so that its implementation can be accounted for," said Lukman in an official statement, Monday, October 6.

Lukman said the plan for land needs has been technically calculated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the adjustments are confirmed in determining the RT/RW (Regional Spatial Planning and Procedure Plan) by the Bali Provincial Government.

Regarding land, Lukman continued, the Bali Provincial Government guarantees that the land to be used is not in dispute and is not being used as collateral. The process of land acquisition of the community must also be completed thoroughly so that the determination of the location can be carried out without obstacles and provide legal certainty for all parties involved.

"In addition, if the construction location is in the West Bali National Park area, then its use can only be carried out after there is a recommendation or decision of the Minister of Environment and Forestry," he said.

If there is a change in location outside Sumberklampok Village, Lukman continued, the Bali Provincial Government is required to withdraw the previous proposal and re-submit new proposals by completing all documents according to the laws and regulations.

As a civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is responsible for ensuring that all flight infrastructure development meets the principles of 3S + 1C (Safety, Security, Services, Compliance).

With measurable and procedural steps, the construction of North Bali Airport is expected to be able to strengthen air connectivity on the island of Bali, as well as support for I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in serving tourist growth and national economic activity.

"We carry out the supervisory function so that every stage of development runs according to the provisions, is accountable, and prioritizes flight safety," said Lukman.