Integration of Regional Spatial and Environmental for the North Bali Airport Planning

Abstrak

The growing number of tourists visiting Bali has placed increasing pressure on the capacity of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is projected to be insufficient to accommodate future passenger surges. To address this issue and promote more balanced regional development, a new airport is planned for North Bali, as outlined in the Bali Province Spatial Plan (RTRW) 2023–2043. This study employs a comparative method with a descriptive qualitative approach to assess the feasibility of two alternative locations—Kubutambahan and Gerokgak Districts in Buleleng Regency—by evaluating spatial conformity and environmental aspects. The findings indicate that Kubutambahan is environmentally more feasible, as it is located outside conservation areas, although it poses socio-political challenges due to customary land ownership. On the other hand, Gerokgak demonstrates stronger spatial integration, having been explicitly designated in the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR) of the Batuampar Integrated Area. These differing characteristics form an important foundation for further studies aimed at harmonizing environmental feasibility and spatial planning in the determination of strategic airport locations.