As An Alternative To IKN, The Minister Of Transportation Reveals The Experience Of Building APT Pranoto Airport Samarinda

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

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said APT Pranoto Airport in Samarinda could be an alternative airport to the State Capital (IKN) of the Archipelago in East Kalimantan.

Furthermore, Budi said this airport is very strategic. This airport is also considered to be a buffer for connectivity if there are obstacles at the airport built at IKN.

"It is very strategic as a buffer for the capital city of Nusantara (IKN). If at IKN Airport it is constrained, it can be transferred to this airport or to Balikpapan," he said, written on Sunday, August 20.

For information, APT Pranoto Airport has a runway length of 2250 m x 45 m and a terminal building covering an area of 12,700 m2. This airport can accommodate Boeing 737-900 ER aircraft and can accommodate up to 1 million passenger movements a year.

Land Condition Of APT Pranoto Airport

Budi also revealed the experience of building APT Pranoto Airport infrastructure in Samarinda. He said, this airport has unstable soil conditions.

"We have learned about land science here, and it becomes a good lesson if we want to build infrastructure like an airport in unstable soil conditions like this," he said.

In the last five years, continued Budi, his party has evaluated and restructured APT Pranoto Airport.

"We involve academics from ITB and UGM to study it together," he said.

Through various studies and restructuring efforts carried out, Budi ensured the long-term sustainability of APT Pranoto Airport in the midst of unstable soil conditions, and would minimize the funds needed for repairs.

Currently, several jobs are being carried out, including the airport drainage system, the taxiway and apron pavement system, including reconstruction and increased runways. Then fulfill the air side safety aspect and improve ground side services.