TRIBUN-BALI reports that Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi recently discussed programs to strengthen air, sea, and land transportation in Bali. Also attending were Buleleng Regent I Nyoman Sutjidra, Klungkung Regent I Made Satria, Karangasem Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata, and Badung Regent, represented by the Head of the Badung Regency Transportation Agency.
The meeting, held on Thursday, 09 July 2026, in Denpasar at the Kertha Sabha Meeting Room of Jayasabha, the Governor’s Official Residence, reached a consensus. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi supported Governor Wayan Koster’s proposal to develop the small Letkol Wisnu Airport in Buleleng Regency into a dedicated airport to ease the burden on air transportation services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Second, the discussion covered revitalizing Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng Regency by providing RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) ship service to ease congestion between Denpasar and Gilimanuk during the holiday season and the Eid al-Fitr homecoming.
Third, the discussion covered supporting the development of Kusamba Port in Klungkung Regency, Amed Port in Karangasem Regency, and Sangsit Port in Buleleng Regency. Fourth, it covered the creation of a Water Taxi transportation system in Badung Regency, connecting Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Canggu, North Kuta, to reduce congestion and travel time from 1.5 to 2 hours to only 30 minutes.
Regarding Letkol Wisnu Airport in Sumberkima, Buleleng Regency, Governor Koster explained that his administration plans to develop it into a dedicated airport for special needs, such as emergency landings if problems arise at Ngurah Rai International Airport, as well as private jet services, charter flights, logistics, and equipment. These plans would automatically entail a major upgrade of the airport, including strengthening and extending the 1,400-meter runway.
Letkol Wisnu Airport in Buleleng Regency
Governor Koster has asked that a registered business entity be established to acquire the land needed for the airport’s expansion. Accordingly, the Governor has declared he is open to forming a commercial partnership with an investor to upgrade and operate the airport in the future.
”Therefore, we hope Letkol Wisnu Airport can address Bali’s air traffic problems. We haven’t yet considered establishing a commercial airport like Ngurah Rai Airport. Because Bali is small, we must prevent the erosion of productive land and the threat to food cultivation and the existing subak ecosystem. This is also part of realizing quality tourism in Bali,” Governor Koster said.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, emphasized his deep concern about transportation issues in Bali. He said the Island of the Gods remains a magnet for global tourists.
The Minister of Transportation is aware of the limited capacity of Ngurah Rai Airport and the inadequate sea crossing capacity, which, together with the high number of travelers coming to Bali, results in significant traffic congestion. Therefore, Letkol Wisnu Airport will be offered as an investment project for air transportation.
This represents an expansion of the existing airport. We hope it can be realized so that North Bali can develop like South Bali. I will conclude the discussion on Kubutambahan and other areas, and ensure that Letkol Wisnu, Buleleng, remains our focus, because the area is relatively clear and there are no longer any land issues, including environmental obstacles,” the Minister of Transportation said.
Regarding maritime infrastructure, the Minister of Transportation stated that his office has requested that Pelindo – the State-owned seaport operator, which owns Celukan Bawang Port, revitalize it so it can accommodate crossings from Jangkar and Banyuwangi, both in East Java.
For Amed and Sangsit Ports, both in Northern Bali, the government plans to offer the land for private development. This would allow these locations to be developed as logistics terminals or put to other yet-to-be-determined uses.
Most importantly, these ports, including Kusamba and Klungkung, must be developed. They could become distinct tourism destinations.
Regarding plans for a Water Taxi program in Badung Regency, the Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, hopes that the facilities in the Ngurah Rai area will be completed by November 2026.
However, construction is still awaiting the Ministry of Public Works’ (PUPR) beach normalization in the area. Some observers have also asked whether plans to create a water taxi system connecting Ngurah Rai International Airport and the Canggu area will include breakwaters for safe water landings along the shoreline, which is now open to the sea.
”Hopefully, this can be realized as an alternative transportation option to alleviate traffic congestion in Canggu,” the Transportation Minister said.
Related Links
Aviation Maintenance and Training Hub Planned for North Bali
Bali’s Airport Upgrading to Handle 32 Million Passengers Annually
Airport – Canggu Water Taxi Service Under Review by Jakarta
Water Taxi from Airport to Canggu Under Review
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update
