The new Tebelian Airport replaces Susilo Airport, which could not be developed further as it was located in the city center, surrounded by residential areas.
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated Tebelian Airport in Sintang regency, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday, after a decade of development.
The new airport serves 75,000 passengers per year and has a 1,820 meter runway that can accommodate ATR 72-600 aircraft. The facility was built on 153.6 hectares of land granted by the Sintang administration to the Transportation Ministry’s civil aviation directorate general.
Situated around 14 kilometers from the city of Sintang, the new airport has replaced the decommissioned Susilo Airport, which could not be developed further as it was located in the city center and surrounded by residential areas. Susilo airport had a shorter, 1,300 meter runway.
“This is a part of our efforts to build infrastructure equally throughout Indonesia, not only centered on the island of Java,” Jokowi said in his speech for the inauguration ceremony.
He also expressed hope that adequate infrastructure would reduce logistics costs and improve the production and distribution of goods and services.
“New economic centers are expected to emerge in various regions,” the President added.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the construction of Tebelian Airport had begun in 2011 but was "intensified" last year. The project cost Rp 518 billion (US$36.05 million).
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.