The Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said he would prioritize the development of transportation infrastructure in Papua and West Papua provinces. According to Budi, that plan is done to improve the connectivity in both provinces.
This plan is like a refreshing air for so many life aspects there. The Minister also explained that there will be a lot of transportation infrastructure built in both areas. It is especially in the air transportation sector.
Later, there will be the construction and development of 10 airports. The six airports each in Papua Province or Irian Jaya and four in West Papua.
The six airports built in Irian Province are Ewer, Kepi, Ilaga, Oksibil, Nabire Baru and Mopah Airport. These will be completed with the proper facilities and services as well.
Meanwhile ,the 4 airports located in the West Irian are Rendani Manokwari, Wasior Baru, Waisai Raja Ampat, and the new Siboru Fak-fak. The complete facilities are included too.
The Construction is Continued Amidst the Pandemic
Further more, Budi Karya wants to ensure that the development continues as planned in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it must be done under the proper health protocol.
He said, now the construction updates of Siboru Airport in Fakfak has reached 30 percent . Further more, it is targeted to be completed by the end of 2022.
Mr. President Joko Widodo ordered them to build Irian and West Papua quickly. It is essential to ensure that the airport can be done as soon as possible.
Therefore, Budi along with Mr. Bahlil, the Regional Government, and elements of the Regional Leadership Communication forum (Forkompinda), designed the construction of the airport which is located in Siboru.
More efforts are needed to build the siboru airport since it has the difficult geographical characteristic. That is the biggest challenge which needs to face.
He revealed, currently Fakfak already has an existing airport, namely Torea. But this facility only has a runway of about 1,400 meters. That is why; it can not be landed by the large-bodied aircraft. Therefore, a new building was built located in Siboru.
What to Expect from that Siboru Airport in the West Papua
The presence of Siboru airport Has a hope such as creating connectivity to and from Fak-Fak. It will make this city can become a new tourist destination.
Besides that, the movement of people and goods can be done smoothly. Therefore, the minister asks for a support from the governor, Forkompinda, and Pangda.
It needs a support from the Fakfak community as well. It will make the construction of this building runs smoothly.
The Construction of Siboru begins in 2020, which is expected to improve the air transport connectivity in the region. That can support the other important aspects there.
Previously, Budi Karya and Bahlil Lahadalia also reviewed the progress of the construction of Rendani Airport in Manokwari, West Papua.
Currently, there is a culvert box work which can be seen there. The construction of road and bridge relocation for access to the building is also still done.
The runway extension will be extended from 2,000 m to 2,300 m. So, it can be landed by larger aircraft because Manokwari is the provincial capital.
Budi Karya also hopes that the presence of this airport can improve the air transportation connectivity, as well as open the economic and tourism gates in Manokwari and surrounding areas.
The Facilities Equipped for the Building
The west Papua province is not different than the other areas in Indonesia. It means that it also has the economic wheel which needs to be run. That is why; the infrastructure there where in this case is the airport, needs to be equipped with the proper facilities. Here are some of those facilities.
- The modern services
The modern facilities are added there. The examoles are like the garbarata, fixed bridge, baggage handling system, terminal elevator, x-ray luggage and cabin multi view.
Besides that, the walkthroughmetal detector, and other facilities such as: concession area, kerbside, and terminal interior design update are also equipped.
- The VVIP Lounge
Airport lounge development needs to be improved. Because VVIP Lounge is very important for guests and officials who need speed in VIP service.
As we know that the west Papua is one of the provinces in the countries which are prioritized by the government. That is why; some special guesses may visit and come there.
The comfortable facilities can attract more people, especially the tourists to come. It is not only once, but the sustainable visits.
- Clean toilet areas
One of the most essential facilities which cannot be forgotten is the toilet. Before, some toilets in several airports are maybe not good enough. However, the local and national government are making a quick reaction.
They then fix that thing to make it is better than before. That is maybe a simple area in a building, but it can be a really important point. The effort like that makes people want to visit the west papua more and more.
