Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA) - Acting governor of Bali, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, has said that the central government will determine the location of the planned North Bali Airport.

"The central government will choose the location, whether in the eastern part or the western part of North Bali. There are advantages and disadvantages," he expounded at an economic forum here on Wednesday.

However, he did not provide further details on the advantages and disadvantages of the two options.

He informed that his administration has proposed several studies for the North Bali airport development plan to the central government.

"We have proposed it and (the plan) is being studied. We propose it to be realized immediately," he said.

The North Bali Airport development plan has been a topic of discussion for 10–15 years and often re-emerges during the electoral season, such as the upcoming Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) on November 27, 2024.

Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto expressed his commitment to build an airport in North Bali to support the community's welfare.

"I want to build the North Bali International Airport; we will make Bali the 'new Singapore' or the 'new Hong Kong,' where this region will become a center (of economic activities)," he said on November 3.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, informed that his ministry is still studying the feasibility of the airport to ensure mature planning.

In addition to careful planning, he said, adequate budgeting and paying attention to other aspects are also important for the airport development plan.

"We hope to realize it by considering various technical, political, sociocultural, and other aspects," he informed on November 11.

Related news: BKPM receives feasibility study of North Bali International Airport








Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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