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Jokowi launches operations of modernized Tjilik Riwut Airport
Tjilik Riwut Airport could become the engine of the economy, President Jokowi says.
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (center in white shirt) launches operations for the upgraded Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on April 8, accompanied by ministers and other officials.
(Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo launched on Monday the newly renovated Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan.
The President said renovations for the airport needed 4.5 years and an investment of Rp 700 billion (US$49.44 million) from the state budget.
“Tjilik Riwut Airport could become the engine of the economy,” Jokowi said in a statement issued by the Presidential Office, adding that the new airport terminal was five times bigger than the old one.
During the event, the President was accompanied by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi and state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II (AP II) president director Muhammad Awaluddin, among others.
AP II took over the operations of the airport from the Transportation Ministry’s Air Transportation Directorate General on Dec. 19, 2018. Awaluddin expressed optimism over the airport introducing more flights as a result of the changes.
Awaluddin said AP II prepared Rp 480 billion to expand the terminal and extend the runway to help the airport accommodate 8 million passengers annually, an increase from the 1 million passengers in 2018.
He said the company would also expand in areas surrounding the airport. “In this area, there are 388 hectares of land that could be developed for the maintenance, repair, overhaul and cargo business,” he added.
The airport's terminal now covers 29,124 square meters and can accommodate 4.4 million passengers annually. Previously, the terminal covered 5,700 square meters, accommodating only 700,000 passengers annually.
The airport's current 2,500 by 45-meter runway will be expanded to 3,000 by 45 meters. (bbn)
