DENPASAR ~

Deputy Governor of Bali Ketut Sudikerta said the construction of a new airport in Buleleng Regency is likely to receive funding from the central government as long as not involving the private sector.

“Minister of Transportation said would not provide financing if cooperate with the private sector. The minister just wanted to give funds when it is managed or carried out by the government,” said Sudikerta, in Denpasar on Wednesday.

According to him, the airport development plan in the area of the northern Bali is now entering the step of listing, just waiting for the initiator. The budget will be decided after entering the listing project step.

The former Vice Regent of Badung added that the community is likely to have stake in the airport so that the ownership of the land is not lost if the airport will be built on the land.

“The mechanism is that the people there will be moved to the suburbs, and then the land is put into stocks as the owner of the airport. The government also put capital so later the money at the airport will belong to government and the people,” he said.

Sudikerta said it needs to be done to avoid the case in Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, because the local government does not get anything out of the airport management.

“Therefore, it needs the involvement and role of the community and government to participate in possessing Buleleng airport,” he said.

If there are no obstacles, the prediction of the airport construction in Buleleng probably will be started in 2016.