The Ministry Of Transportation Targets That Raja Haji Abdullah Kepri Airport Can Be Directed By Large Aircraft

Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi while visiting Raja Haji Abdullah Airport in Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands/DOK Ministry of Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation is trying to complete the construction and extension of the Raja Haji Abdullah Airport runway in Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands, in 2024.

Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi is optimistic that land acquisition and expansion of the runway will be completed so that the long runway target can be achieved.

"If this happens, Raja Haji Abdullah Airport can accommodate Boeing 737 aircraft," said Minister Budi as quoted on Friday, February 9.

Budi said that his party had completed the runway extension of up to 1,800 meters (m) in the last few years.

"We have completed it for several years to 1,800 m. This year, we will extend it to 2,000 m," he said.

With flights using larger aircraft, it will be easier for people to reach Tanjung Balai Karimun to encourage tourism and industry in the area.

"We are trying for the Boeing 737 aircraft to land here so that the industry and tourism can advance. This is the president's order for the outer islands must be carried out development," he said.

Meanwhile, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Transportation for the airport construction. According to him, the public has been waiting directly for flights from big cities to Tanjung Balai Karimun.

"It is extraordinary that I appreciate the Ministry of Transportation and this is what the public has been waiting for for for decades, there is a direct flight to the Karimun Islands. In addition, as the front island, this area is also massive with investment, especially industry and tourism. Hopefully this can be realized soon," he said.

As for now, Raja Haji Abdullah Airport has a terminal area of 770 square meters with a runway length of 1,800 x 30 m and can accommodate ATR 72 aircraft.

It is known, Tanjung Balai Karimun itself is an area that is directly adjacent to Singapore and Malaysia. Thus, it is necessary to develop facilities and operations to create border areas as the front line in strengthening the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

One of them is Raja Haji Abdullah Airport which requires increased connectivity. The development of this airport by the government is a real step in realizing this.