Potensi dan Permasalahan Lokasi Bandara Bali Utara

Summary

The proposed development of a North Bali airport aims to alleviate congestion at the current I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport by providing a new gateway to support Bali's tourism growth. However, the plan faces challenges due to the region’s mountainous terrain, volcanic risks, and potential air traffic conflicts with nearby airports. Three potential locations for the new airport are discussed, each with its own set of advantages and complications, such as the proximity to active volcanoes and the difficulty in land development. The project is designed to support long-term tourism growth, improve local infrastructure, and balance traffic between Bali's southern and northern regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The development of a new airport in North Bali is essential to alleviate congestion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, which is nearing full capacity with 24 million passengers and 150-160 flights annually.
• 😀 The new airport is expected to support the growth of Bali as a world-renowned tourist destination, especially in the northern part of the island, which is currently less developed than the southern region.
• 😀 Three primary locations are being considered for the new airport in North Bali, each with its own challenges and benefits.
• 😀 Location 1 (near Taman Nasional Bali Barat) is large but faces significant risks due to its proximity to the active Mount Raung volcano and the potential for air traffic congestion with the Banyuwangi airport.
• 😀 Location 1 also sits in a seismically active area, which could lead to major infrastructure damage in the event of an earthquake.
• 😀 Location 2 (Letkol Wisnu, Grogot) is closer to existing infrastructure, but it also shares challenges like air traffic congestion and potential obstructions from nearby hills.
• 😀 Location 2's road improvements would mainly benefit the southern part of Bali, not the northern region, which might limit its overall impact on local development.
• 😀 Location 3 (Kubutambahan) faces risks from nearby active volcanoes (Mount Agung and Mount Batur), which could severely disrupt operations in case of eruptions, as experienced with I Gusti Ngurah Rai in 2018.
• 😀 Despite its risks, Location 3 is only about 15 km from the Buleleng capital, which could help stimulate local economic development and improve access to the northern region.
• 😀 Alternative options, including coastal areas near Bungkulan and Kubutambahan, may offer more suitable flat terrain for long-term airport development with two parallel runways.
• 😀 Reclamation projects in shallow waters could create additional land for the airport, ensuring safety from active fault lines and volcanic activity while still serving Bali's growing tourism industry.

Q & A

What is the main reason for developing a new airport in North Bali?

The new airport in North Bali is proposed to alleviate the congestion at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, which currently handles 24 million passengers annually and is operating at full capacity. The new airport aims to accommodate Bali's growing tourism industry and provide a more balanced distribution of flight traffic across the island.

Why is the current airport in South Bali considered insufficient for future growth?

I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is operating at near capacity, handling 150-160 flights per year. With the increasing number of passengers and flights, the airport struggles to manage traffic, making expansion or relocation to North Bali necessary to support future growth.

What challenges are associated with selecting a location for the new airport in North Bali?

The main challenges include the mountainous terrain, active volcanic zones, and proximity to other airports like Banyuwangi. The location must be flat, with minimal obstructions for safe aircraft operations, and free from significant geological risks such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

How does the proximity to Mount Raung affect the potential locations for the new airport?

Mount Raung, an active volcano in Banyuwangi, poses a significant risk to airport operations. Locations close to this volcano, such as Taman Nasional Bali Barat in North Bali, are considered less viable due to the potential for volcanic eruptions that could disrupt airport activities and air traffic safety.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of building the airport near Taman Nasional Bali Barat?

The advantage is the large undeveloped area, allowing for long-term expansion. However, the location is close to Mount Raung, an active volcano, which poses a risk to the airport’s operations due to frequent eruptions. Additionally, it is relatively distant from major tourist attractions in Bali, limiting the economic impact on the local area.

What potential risks are associated with the location near Mount Agung and Mount Batur?

The location near Mount Agung and Mount Batur poses a higher risk due to the frequent volcanic eruptions from both volcanoes. The airport's proximity to these active volcanoes could result in disruption to flights, especially if an eruption occurs while the airport is operational, as seen in the 2018 eruption of Mount Agung.

Why is the site at Kubutambahan considered a better option than other locations?

Kubutambahan offers a flat, large area suitable for airport development and is closer to the main population center of Buleleng. This location provides an opportunity for long-term development with minimal volcanic threat compared to other sites, but still faces risks from nearby active volcanoes.

What geological concerns affect the proposed airport locations in North Bali?

Geological concerns include seismic activity due to active fault lines, such as the Caesar and Jagaraga fault zones, which increase the risk of infrastructure damage during earthquakes. Additionally, volcanic activity from nearby volcanoes, such as Mount Agung and Mount Batur, poses a significant risk to air traffic safety.

How does the airport's proximity to tourist destinations in South Bali impact its viability?

The distance between the proposed airports in North Bali and popular tourist destinations in South Bali could discourage tourists from using the new airport. The potential long travel time between airports may reduce the convenience for travelers, leading to lower usage and financial sustainability.

What is the suggested solution to avoid the new airport becoming underutilized like Kertajati Airport?

To prevent underutilization, it is suggested that the new North Bali airport handle international flights, while the existing I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in the south handles domestic flights. This division of responsibilities would ensure the new airport remains active and supports the overall aviation infrastructure in Bali.