West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi: Minangkabau Airport Not Included In Plan Of International Airport Status Elimination

The Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi. ANTARA/HO-Pempro West Sumatra.

PADANG - The Provincial Government of West Sumatra is fighting for the status of Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) so it doesn't go down to become a regional airport because it will be very detrimental to the region, especially the tourism sector.

"We have traced it to the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) regarding the status of BIM. Based on several indicators, BIM is in the category of an international airport that is being maintained," said W Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi, reported by ANTARA, Monday, February 20.

Mahyeldi said that his party accommodated the aspirations and wishes of the people to maintain BIM's international status.

However, because it was not the province's authority, Mahyeldi sent the Head of the West Sumatra Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Medi Iswandi to follow up with the Coordinating Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

"As a result, from the indicators set, BIM is not included in the plan to close the international airport," he said.

Head of Bappeda West Sumatra, Medi Iswandi confirmed this. Based on coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries, BIM meets the indicators to remain an international airport.

"Airports that will continue to have international status are those that meet certain indicators, including border airports, tourism entrances, and cargo entrances," he said.

He said BIM fulfilled two indicators, namely airports serving tourism entrances and airports serving border entrances.

Previously, it was feared that BIM would decline to become a regional airport that only serves domestic flight routes. In fact, BIM has become an entry point for foreign tourists, especially from Malaysia.

This caused the tourism business actors in W Sumatra to be restless so the regional government immediately responded.