Homecoming To Papua, Bahlil Reveals The High Cost Of Airport Development

Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia (second right) and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi (center) reviewing the construction project of Siboru Airport, Fakfak Regency, West Papua/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Investment Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the cost of airport construction in Papua is very expensive.

According to him, the government has to pay to build one airport unit in Papua the same as two airports in Java. Therefore, Bahlil also urged all parties to immediately complete all airport projects that are being worked on in Papua. The goal is to prevent development costs from increasing.

"This budget is not kidding, building 1 airport in Papua is the same as 2 airports on the island of Java. So don't let us disappoint those who have worked hard to build airports," he said in a written statement, Saturday, September 25.

Bahlil explained that one of the airports being built is Siboru Airport in Fakfak Regency, West Papua. Construction of this airport has started since 2011 and is projected to be completed next year.

Bahlil said the government would also build better road access in the area. He also hopes to create a new city development through the construction of road access as infrastructure to support the Siboru Airport.

With infrastructure development, said Bahlil, it will be able to move the wheels of the economy including the tourism potential that is raised in the region.

"If this is open, then we will talk about tourism and the people's economy. If I may suggest, we should support this first so that it can be finished quickly," he said.