Jember Airport Revamp to Be Completed by 2019
Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has set a 2019 target for the completion of upgrades to Hadinotonegoro Airport in Jember, East Java.
The upgrades are intended to facilitate the flow of passengers and goods, and to attract more investment in the region's tourism sector.
The president set the target following the success of this year's Jember Fashion Carnival, which boosted the regional economy and tourism.
During a visit to the airport on Sunday (20/08) to inspect the ongoing construction work, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the upgrades will improve connectivity between Jember and other parts of the country.
"Our aim is for the airport to handle up to 360,000 passengers annually," Budi said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The improvements will be completed in two phases, with the first involving the expansion of the apron and taxiway to 96.5 meters long and 68.5 meters wide. The ministry will also conduct a study to extend the runway and terminal building.
The runway will be extended from 1,645 meters by 30 meters to 2,250 meters by 45 meters in 2019 as part of the first phase.
The second phase will include the extension of the runway to 2,500 meters, as well as the construction of other facilities to cater to hajj pilgrims.
"We have prepared the budget in the Transportation Ministry's work plan for 2018, as well as the 2019 budget. The total budget is Rp 370 billion [$27.7 million]," Budi said.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has welcomed the development of Hadinotonegoro Airport, saying that it will improve access to East Java.
Arief said the development of the airport will boost tourism in the area, which is already world famous for the Jember Fashion Carnival.
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