The Transformation of North Bali: A New Era of Development and Challenge

A Region Steeped in Tradition and Natural Beauty

For decades, the northern coast of Bali has remained a tranquil and untouched haven, far removed from the bustling beaches and vibrant nightlife of the island’s south. While tourists flock to Kuta and Canggu for their modern amenities, trendy restaurants, and lively bars, the north has offered a different kind of charm. Here, visitors come to unwind on pristine beaches, trek through lush forests, and experience the enduring traditions of rural villages. The north’s slow pace of life and untouched landscapes have made it a sanctuary for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful Bali. However, this serene way of life is on the brink of change, as Indonesia embarks on an ambitious plan to transform North Bali into a modern hub of tourism and economic activity.

A Vision of Modernity: The North Bali International Airport

At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a new international airport in Buleleng Regency, located on the northern coast. The project, backed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, involves reclaiming 900 hectares of the Bali Sea to create an artificial island shaped like a giant turtle. The airport will boast two runways, one capable of accommodating the world’s largest commercial aircraft, the Airbus A380, as well as a jetty for seaplanes. Adjacent to the airport, a sprawling metropolis is planned, complete with shopping malls, convention halls, and hotels. This new city is projected to rival the size of Singaraja, currently the largest city in North Bali. The region is also being positioned as a film production hub, earning it the nickname “Baliwood.”

Connecting North Bali to the World

To support this vision, a 60-kilometer toll road is planned to link Kubutambahan, a quiet town in North Bali, to Mengwi, located on the outskirts of Bali’s capital, Denpasar. Additionally, a 100-kilometer rail network will connect Kubutambahan to Ngurah Rai Airport, the island’s current international gateway. These infrastructure projects will cut through densely forested hills and mountains, raising concerns about the region’s rich biodiversity. Furthermore, the northern coast’s small ports, which currently cater to traditional fishing boats, are set to be upgraded to accommodate speedboats, yachts, and even cruise ships. These developments aim to open up North Bali to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally.

Economic Promise and the Hope for a Better Future

For many in North Bali, these projects represent a long-awaited opportunity for economic growth and development. Currently, Buleleng, the regency where the airport is being built, struggles with high unemployment and poverty rates, despite being the most populous region in Bali. Of the 4.3 million people who call Bali home, 826,000 reside in Buleleng, yet the region sees only a fraction of the island’s tourist traffic. Last year, while 10 million domestic and 6.3 million international tourists visited Bali, just 600,000 made their way to Buleleng. This disparity has driven many young people to seek work in the south or even overseas, leaving their villages eerily quiet. “We have no youths left in our village,” lamented Made Sudirsa, the chief of a village near the proposed airport site. “We hope these projects will boost our economy and create jobs.”

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

While the promise of economic growth is welcomed by many, the scale and ambition of these projects have raised significant environmental and cultural concerns. The construction of the airport and its supporting infrastructure will require the destruction of vast areas of forest and marine habitats, potentially disrupting the region’s fragile ecosystems. Environmental groups have voiced alarm over the loss of biodiversity and the impact on the region’s natural beauty, which has long been its greatest asset. Additionally, there are fears that the influx of tourists and the arrival of modern developments will erode the traditional way of life in North Bali’s villages, where ancient customs and practices are still deeply ingrained.

Balancing Progress and Preservation

As North Bali stands on the threshold of this transformative era, the challenge lies in balancing the need for economic development with the preservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. President Subianto has expressed his vision of turning Bali into “the new Singapore, the new Hong Kong,” with the North Bali International Airport as the epicenter of this transformation. While this ambitious goal has the potential to bring prosperity to the region, it also carries the risk of losing the very qualities that make North Bali unique. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the region can navigate this transition successfully, creating a future that honors its past while embracing the possibilities of modernity. The people of North Bali, along with environmental advocates and policymakers, will play a pivotal role in shaping this future, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of the region’s soul.