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President Joko Widodo officiates Silangit International Airport
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi (right) and state-owned airport operator AP II president director Muhammad Awaluddin (second left), inspects facilities at the terminal of the Silangit International Airport in Siborong-Borong, Tapanuli Utara regency, North Sumatra on Nov. 24. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
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ilangit International Airport in North Sumatra officially became an international airport on Nov. 24. The inauguration was conducted by President Joko Widodo.
In his remark, the President asked for the runway to be extended from 2,650 meters to 3,000 meters, so that larger airplanes carrying local and international tourists can land there. Additionally, the President wanted the extension to be completed before 2020.
“The latest is in 2020, that means it could be done in 2018 or 2019. The terminal should also be expanded from 3,000 square meters to 10,000 square meters,” he said.
President arrived at the event at around 10:35 a.m. and was welcomed by State-Owned Businesses Minister Rini Soemarno and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.
In the occasion, the President also visited the airport’s development project and one of the coffee shops in the waiting room area.
Also in the inauguration event, the President beat a traditional gondang to officiate the Silangit International Airport.
“Bukka ma pittu, bukka ma harbangan. Ai nunga rade labuan ni hopal habang internasional,” he said in the native language of Toba that means “Prepare yourself to change because now there’s an international airport available.” (asw)
