Jakarta – Political economy expert and public policy analyst Dr. Ichsanuddin Noorsy expressed regret over statements by the Governor of Bali and the Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, which presented views contradicting the official policy of President Prabowo Subianto regarding the location for the construction of the North Bali International Airport (BIBU).

“This constitutes a disrespect for the president’s policy, as well as for the investment climate and legal certainty, and could cause public confusion,” he stated.

In a healthy government system, he continued, the hierarchy of policies must be maintained. The Presidential Regulation (Perpres), as a direct derivative of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), is the primary compass for development direction. Every state official, both at the central and regional levels, must comply with decisions affirmed by the President.

However, the public has recently been confused by the stance and statements of two officials, namely the Governor of Bali and the Director General of Air Transportation, who instead expressed views opposing the official policy of President Prabowo Subianto regarding the BIBU construction location.

Both opened discourse about relocating the project from Kubutambahan, Buleleng to Sumberklampok, an area located within the West Bali National Park. This move not only causes public confusion but also spreads uncertainty in the investment world.

Meanwhile, the legal facts are clear. The BIBU location in Kubutambahan has been established in Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025 concerning the 2025-2029 RPJMN, signed directly by President Prabowo Subianto, and this regulation is final and binding.

There is no more room for negotiation or discourse on relocating the site, while the statements by the Governor of Bali and the Director General of Air Transportation amount to an open challenge to the president’s decision.

“This is not merely a difference of opinion, but has entered the realm of bureaucratic insubordination that could destroy the investment climate and investor confidence,” he emphasized.

Previously, the Director General of Air Transportation had actually rejected the Sumberklampok location through an official letter to the Governor of Bali.

The reason was clear: the area does not comply with the 2009-2029 Bali Provincial Spatial Planning Regional Regulation, threatens the West Bali National Park (TNBB), and part of its land would use a conservation zone of approximately 64 hectares.

Now, the location previously deemed unsuitable is being revived, even though it potentially violates the Conservation Law, triggers environmental conflict, and causes airspace overlap with Blimbingsari Airport in Banyuwangi, which is only separated by the Bali Strait.

President’s Vision: North Bali, A New Growth Axis

In another section, he reminded that the Kubutambahan BIBU project is a tangible manifestation of President Prabowo’s grand vision to make Bali a new center of economic growth in eastern Indonesia.

On various occasions, the President emphasized his ambition to make Bali “The New Singapore” or “The New Hong Kong.”

This strategic step was welcomed by PT BIBU Panji Sakti, as the project initiator, which has secured an investment commitment of IDR 50 trillion and launched the design of a modern offshore airport.

This project has been reviewed across ministries and has received the green light from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Investment (BKPM), and Bappenas before finally being included in the 2025–2029 RPJMN.

He further stated that the attitude of regional and central officials inconsistent with the Presidential Regulation has angered a number of traditional leaders in Bali. The Paiketan Puri-Puri Se-Jebag Bali (P3SB) urged President Prabowo to immediately begin the construction of BIBU.

“We are tired of the discourse. Presidential Regulation Number 12 of 2025 is clear: the airport location is on the coast of Kubutambahan,” stated the Secretary of P3SB.

A similar tone came from the Forum Silaturahmi Keraton Nusantara (FSKN). Through an official letter, they asked the President to immediately officiate the groundbreaking for the BIBU construction.

The Chairman of FSKN stated that this project is strategic for driving economic equality and strengthening Bali’s cultural identity within the framework of the nation’s civilizational glory.

According to him, the behavior of officials opposing the President’s decision is not only an administrative violation but also a destruction of the government system

North Bali International Airport (BIBU)

North Bali International Airport (BIBU) is a new airport currently under development in the Buleleng Regency of northern Bali, Indonesia. It is being constructed to alleviate congestion at the island’s main airport in the south and to boost tourism and economic development in the northern region. The project, which has faced delays, is planned to be built in phases with an initial capacity for domestic flights.

Kubutambahan

Kubutambahan is a village in northern Bali, Indonesia, known for the Pura Dalem Baluting, a state temple from the 11th-century Warmadewa dynasty. The temple is architecturally significant for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements, reflecting the syncretic nature of classical Balinese kingdoms. It remains an important and active site for Hindu ceremonies and worship today.

Buleleng

Buleleng is a regency on the northern coast of Bali, Indonesia, historically significant as the island’s oldest kingdom, founded in the 17th century. It served as a major port for trade and was the first region in Bali to have contact with Dutch colonial forces in the 19th century. Today, it is known for its coastal capital Singaraja, black sand beaches, and its role as a gateway to the scenic mountains and waterfalls of northern Bali.

Sumberklampok

I am unable to find any specific historical or cultural information about a place named “Sumberklampok.” It is possible this refers to a small village or local area, but it is not a widely recognized cultural or historical site. For an accurate summary, more specific context or the correct spelling would be needed.

West Bali National Park (TNBB)

West Bali National Park (TNBB) is a protected area on the western tip of Bali, Indonesia, established in 1941. It is a crucial conservation zone encompassing diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, savannah, and coral islands. The park is renowned as one of the last refuges for the critically endangered Bali Starling, a bird endemic to the island.

Bali Strait

The Bali Strait is a narrow stretch of water separating the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali. It is historically significant as the site of the 1946 Battle of the Bali Strait, a naval engagement between the Indonesian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy during the Indonesian National Revolution. Today, it is a major shipping lane and is traversed by ferries connecting the two islands.

Blimbingsari Airport

Blimbingsari Airport is a domestic airport located in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, serving as a gateway to the region’s tourism destinations. It was officially opened in 2010 to replace the old Banyuwangi Airport and support the growing number of visitors to areas like the Ijen Crater and Baluran National Park. The airport facilitates improved connectivity and economic development for the eastern part of Java.

Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi is a regency located on the eastern tip of Java, Indonesia, known as the “Sunrise of Java” for its stunning coastal views. Historically, it was the capital of the Blambangan Kingdom, the last Hindu kingdom on Java, and its culture is a unique blend of Javanese, Balinese, and indigenous Osing influences. Today, it is a popular gateway to the Ijen Crater, famous for its mesmerizing blue flames and sulfur mining.