The Bali Provincial Government will develop Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport in Buleleng Regency into a dedicated airport rather than a commercial airport like I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster proposed several programmes during a special meeting with Indonesian Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi in Denpasar on Thursday, 9th of July. Koster plans to develop Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport to accommodate emergency landings in the event of problems at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, as well as private jets, charter flights, logistics, and equipment.
Koster further stated that, as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment, the Bali Provincial Government has established a business entity and plans to acquire land for the project. Moreover, the provincial government is open to inviting interested investors to participate in the airport’s development.
“Therefore, we hope that Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport can address Bali’s air traffic problems. So far, we haven’t considered developing a commercial airport like Ngurah Rai Airport,” said Koster, as quoted from the press on Saturday, the 11th of July.
Purwagandhi also confirmed that discussions regarding the proposed North Bali Airport in Kubutambahan, which had been the subject of considerable public debate, would be brought to a close.
“I will ensure that Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport, Buleleng, is our focus, because the situation is relatively clear and there are no further land issues, including environmental issues,” the Minister said as well.
Meanwhile, regarding maritime infrastructure, Purwagandhi stated that his ministry has requested that Pelindo, which owns Celukan Bawang Port, revitalise the facility so it can accommodate ferry crossings from Jangkar and Banyuwangi.
In addition, regarding the sea taxi programme in Badung Regency, Purwagandhi said he hopes the facilities in the Ngurah Rai area will be completed by November 2026.
“Hopefully, this can be realised as an alternative transportation option to alleviate traffic congestion in Canggu,” the Minister added.