President Jokowi Orders Minister Of Transportation To Change IKN Airport Status From VVIP To Commercial

The RJ-85 presidential plane that President Joko Widodo was traveling in when he arrived at Nusantara Airport, IKN, East Kalimantan, Tuesday (24/9/2024). BETWEEN/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat/

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered the Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi to change the status of Nusantara Airport in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN) from a very imported person (VVIP) to commercial.

"I have ordered the Minister of Transportation to immediately convert it into a commercial airport. Commercial airport," said the President giving a press statement at Nusantara Airport in IKN, East Kalimantan Province, reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 24.

The President said that if it is converted into a commercial airport, it will be beneficial for the surrounding community, for example, if it can be used for Hajj to Umrah flights.

"To be more useful. Don't just for VVIP, no. It is more useful for those who want to go to Umrah, who want to go to Hajj, who want to fly to and from IKN. I think it is more useful," said the President.

The President estimates that the initial capacity of Nusantara Airport can reach 200 thousand passengers by December 2024. Meanwhile, the long-term target reaches 7 million passengers per year after being fully operated as a commercial airport.

"This may reach December with a capacity of 200 thousand, but after becoming a commercial airport, the capacity can reach 7 million passengers per year," said the President.

Regarding the target of operating Nusantara Airport for commercial purposes, the President said he would first sign a presidential regulation (perpres).

"Yes, later when I have signed the Presidential Decree, it means starting after that," said the President.

The President previously signed Presidential Decree Number 31 of 2023 concerning the Acceleration of Construction and Operation of Very Very Important Airport Persons (VVIP) to Support the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN).

As with the official copy of the Presidential Decree, it is stated that the acceleration of the construction and operation of VVIP airports needs to be carried out immediately to develop flight infrastructure and support IKN connectivity.

"VVIP Airport is a special airport that is used to serve the interests of government activities in IKN," wrote article 2 of the Presidential Regulation.

Previously, the President said that the inaugural landing of the plane he was traveling on at Nusantara Airport was smooth and smooth.

"Yes, Alhamdulillah, this is the first landing that everything went well, Alhamdulillah everything went smoothly and this is my first time going down at Nusantara Airport. Yes, it's really smooth," said Jokowi.

President Jokowi boarded the RJ-85 Presidential Aircraft while landing at Nusantara Airport.