Ministry Of Transportation Calls 27 New Airports Built During President Jokowi's Leadership Era

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) said as many as 27 new airports had been built during the era of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) leadership, in order to improve connectivity and services to the community, especially in the outermost, remote, disadvantaged and border areas (3TP).

"The development of air transportation infrastructure in Indonesia has made significant progress, among the main achievements that have been realized is the construction of 27 new airports," said Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation M. Kristi Endah Murni in a statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Thursday, May 9.

Kristi said that during President Jokowi's leadership from 2014 to 2024, Indonesia had carried out a lot of development of air transportation infrastructure which aims to improve connectivity and services to the community, especially in the outermost, remote, disadvantaged and border areas (3TP).

During this period, according to Kristi Indonesia, it has succeeded in expanding the airport network by building airports throughout the region, including in the 3TP area.

"This has increased the accessibility and mobility of local communities and encouraged economic growth in previously difficult-to-reach areas," Kristi said.

Even so, Kristi said that of the 27 airports, there is Sobaham Airport which is in the process of being built and will be completed by the end of 2024.

In addition to the construction of new airports, rehabilitation and development of airport facilities have also been carried out, with the aim of increasing standard flight services and safety.

New and improved facilities such as extended runways, expanded terminals, and various other rehabilitations. There are at least 64 airports that have been rehabilitated and developed.

The development and development of air transportation infrastructure, continued Kristi, in addition to aiming to increase accessibility to 3TP areas, the government hopes to encourage economic growth in previously marginalized areas.

"This creates new investment opportunities, drives the tourism sector and expands the market for local products," explains Kristi.

He also added that air transportation infrastructure also has a social positive impact by facilitating access to other health, education, and social services in remote areas.

This helps improve people's standard of living and reduce inequality between regions.

Not only that, but the development of air transportation infrastructure also contributes to improving security, both in terms of goods transportation and human mobility.

By providing safer and more efficient means of transportation, the government can strengthen the country's sovereignty and protect national interests.

"With these various achievements and benefits, the development of air transportation infrastructure in Indonesia will continue to be one of the main priorities in encouraging economic growth and sustainable development evenly throughout the country," he added.

The Ministry of Transportation noted 27 new airports that have been built in the era of President Jokowi's leadership, namely Anambas Letung Airport, Riau Islands; Tambelan Airport, Riau Islands; Haji Muhammad Sidik Muara Teweh Airport, Central Kalimantan; Maratua Airport, East Kalimantan; Morowali Airport, Central Sulawesi; Siau Airport, North Sulawesi; and Miangas Airport, North Sulawesi.

Furthermore, Koroway Batu Airport, Papua; Kertajati Airport, West Java; Tebelian Airport, West Kalimantan; Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport, East Kalimantan; Buntu Kunik Airport, South Sulawesi; Kabir Airport, East Nusa Tenggara; Namniwel Airport, Maluku; Werur Airport, Papua; Rokot Sipora Airport, West Sumatra; Ngloram Airport, Central Java; and Siboru Airport, West Papua.

Next is Nabire Baru Airport, Central Papua; Kediri Airport, East Java; Singkawang Airport, West Kalimantan; Banggai Laut Airport, Central Sulawesi; Bolaang Mongondow Airport, North Sulawesi; Mandailing Natal Airport, North Sumatra; and Pohuwato Airport, Gorontalo; Kulon Progo Airport, Yogyakarta; and Sobaham Airport, Yahukimo.