The infrastructure development in southeastern Indonesia has been vigorously implemented by President Joko Widodo. Along with related Ministries, there are many new infrastructures in Papua and West Papua from Trans Papua roads, bridges, airports, etc. Because Papua consists of mountains, rivers, and plateaus, various transportation facilities in the sector of land, sea, and air are kept being encouraged. The Ministry of Transportation has been building and developing 10 airports with 6 airports in Papua province and 4 airports in West Papua. The 6 airports are Ewer airport, Kepi airport, Ilaga airport, Oksibil airport, Nabire Baru airport, and Mopah airport. Meanwhile, the 4 airports in West Papua are Rendani Manokwari airport, Waisai Raja Ampat airport, Wasior Baru airport, and Siboru Fak-fak airport. Here, we will discuss more Mopah airport in Merauke.
Built in 1943
Mopah airport built in 1943 especially for urgent war matters. These days, this airport serves flights to Jayapura, Timika, and other cities outside Papua. With a runway length of 2,250 meters, the Boeing 737 series can use this airport to land. There are already several airlines that serve to and from this airport. Merauke itself becomes one of the tourist destinations in Papua thanks to many exotic places and cultures. The old terminal was only 1,972 square meters to accommodate up to 331 passengers during rush hours. In 2015, the Minister of Transportation renovated and expanded the terminal into 4,634 square meters.
Connect Merauke to Other Areas in Indonesia
Mopah Class I Airport in Merauke is one of the important airports in south Papua because it connects areas in Merauke to others areas in the Republic of Indonesia. The passenger mobilizations in Class I Airport Mopah increase every year. Therefore, the old terminal is full of passengers. The significant increase that happened in 2014 until 2018 reach the percentage of 87,53%.
Merauke to Be South Papua’s Capital City
The volume of traffics and visitors increasing in Mopah airport in Merauke is also because Merauke is planned to become the capital of South Papua province. The regional development’s plan must be followed with the services and facilities improvements in the terminal. The terminal must be managed carefully based on the Infrastructure Asset Management principle so it can work well. That is why the facility evaluation needs to be conducted periodically to create good, economic, efficient, and effective infrastructures.
Merauke Becomes One of the Host for PON XX
The upcoming National Sports Week (PON) 2021 will be held for the first time in Papua in October this year. Besides Merauke, some regions in West Papua also become the hosts of the sporting event. Mopah Class I Airport must make sure the service that they give is already fit to Regulation of the Minister of Transportation Number 178 of 2015 concerning Service Standards for Airport Service Users. The operation of the new terminal in Mopah airport in Merauke wishfully can be a new great face for Merauke. Based on Mopah Class I Airport master plan, the new terminal will be used for domestic and international arrivals zone.
Refinement in Service Quality
Besides focusing on the means and infrastructure, Mopah airport in Merauke also improves its human resources to upgrade the level of service through proactive communication and the awareness of passengers’ needs. For customers using the airport service, the service quality given by the airport is very important. For example, how long it takes for passengers and baggage’s inspection and check-in process. Easiness of luggage transport, availability of trolley, helping signboards, facilities for users with special needs, and nursery facility are also important aspects to boost Mopah’s level of service.
Terminal’s Beautification
Outside the terminal, a canopy is installed at the drop-off location to protect visitors from heat and rain once they arrive at the terminal. In one of the terminal’s corners, ATM center and food-court are added too. Adding another beautification and comfort to the passengers at the airport, trees and green grass are planted around the terminal. The rehabilitation and expansion of the terminal building cost around Rp16 billion.
Airlines and Flight Destinations
Some airlines have operated in Mopah airport in Merauke. The airlines that can be used are Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Susi Air, and Trigana Air Service. Batik Air serves flights to and from Makassar. For Makassar destination, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air also offer the flight, as well as to and from Jayapura. Citilink only offers flights to and from Jayapura while Susi Air can reach some regions in Papua and West Papua, namely Bomakia, Ewer, Kimam, Mindiptanah, Okaba, Senggo, and Wanam. As for Trigana Air Service, the flights’ destination is Tanah Merah.
That is the information you should know about Mopah Class I Airport. Besides Mopah airport in Merauke, Papua and West Papua province also have other airports such as Dominique Edward Osok airport, Fakfak airport, Rendani airport, Werur airport, Ayawasi airport, and many more.
