DENPASAR ~

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika wanted the plan to build a new airport in Buleleng Regency, North Bali can be financed by the central government and to get immediate certainty.

“We expect financing from the government as Bali has resulted huge foreign exchange for the country,” said Pastika, in Denpasar, on Monday.

According to him, until now there is no private sector willing to invest to ensure the development of the airport in the northern part of Bali because they are still doing the calculation.

“At least by having 10 million passengers per year for 20 years, it can reach the BEP (break event point),” he said.

Meanwhile, if the construction of the airport will be above the sea as proposed by Canadian investors flagged Airport Kinesis Canada, said Pastika, it takes an investment of around 30 billion dollars. “Where will we get the money, unless they want to give charity or donate us,” he said.

On the other hand, Pastika added, if airport construction is financed by private sector, there will be a lot of levy. Especially when we talk about investors, community frequently gives negative sight.

Pastika also claimed that he has met Minister of Transportation and Minister of SOE to accelerate in obtaining certainty about the airport construction plan.

“The Ministry of Transportation is related to the technical side of the airport, while state-owned enterprises in terms of financing. But until now there is no certainty,” he said.

Mangku Pastika said that the region deserves to get financing for the construction of the airport from the central government as Bali already has great name which ultimately results in large amounts of foreign exchange.

“Bali is not selfish, but Bali is already well-known and brings in much foreign exchange. We have a major contribution to the state,” said Pastika.