Reviewing IKN Airport, Minister Of Transportation Budi Karya Optimistic That VVIP Airport Can Be Tested In July 2024

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Transportation)

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said the construction project for the Nusantara Capital Airport (IKN) in East Kalimantan (Kaltim), is still in accordance with the plan and is being carried out well.

This was conveyed by Budi Karya Sumadi after checking the progress of the IKN Airport construction, East Kalimantan, today, Tuesday, April 23.

So far, the progress of the IKN Airport construction has been going well and according to plan. Seeing its development, I am optimistic that this airport can be tested in July," he said in an official statement, Tuesday, April 23.

During the review, Budi also checked a number of locations, one of which was a point that would later become a runway.

"Earlier I saw that there was one soil improvement work in several runway locations. Broadly speaking, the work is already good," he explained.

According to Budi, the construction of IKN Airport is being carried out very seriously. All workers work intensively to ensure that the project can be completed on time.

Budi also appreciated the workers who have preserved nature while working on IKN Airport.

"I am also happy because the work on this airport still maintains the greenness of nature according to the instructions of the President," he said.

Meanwhile, Director General of Civil Aviation Maria Kristi hopes that IKN Airport can be completed according to plan and can be used at the upcoming August 17 ceremony.

"We also hope that this airport will be completed quickly, July is over. Then, when the celebration of August 17 there are already those who can land here, bring Mr. (Menhub) too," he said.

To note, the progress of physical work at IKN Airport until the 19th week has covered several aspects, including pilecap work, columns, and the installation of VIP Terminal plumbing pipes, bore pile work, pilecap, columns, and installation of the VVIP Terminal plumbing pipe.

Then, TC stake and direction work at the ATC Building, minipile and pilecap work at the Worship Building, minipile work at the Workshop Building and quarantine lab, as well as cut and fill work on main access roads, reservoirs, and western perimeter roads.

As for the work plan in the 20th week, a further bore pile, pilecap, and floor plate for the VVIP Terminal area, bore pile, pilecap, and floor plate work will be carried out at the VIP Terminal Building, continued work on the stake and pilecap foundation at the ATC Building, as well as continued cut and fill work.

Then, to speed up the construction process of IKN Airport, an additional workforce has been carried out from 367 people to 458 people in April.

In addition, to facilitate logistical access, the main access road is also expected to be completed in early May 2024.

For information, IKN Airport has a terminal area of 7,350 m2 and an airport area of 347 ha.

The concept of the airport terminal design will combine elements of local wisdom that highlight Kalimantan culture and are environmentally friendly.

With a runway of 3,000 meters and a width of 45 meters, IKN Airport can be accommodated by large-body aircraft, such as Boeing 777-3000ER and Airbus A380.