Transportation Minister Invites Private Sector to Invest in Komodo Airport

TheIndonesia.id - Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi recently invited private investors to invest in the development of transport infrastructures Indonesia, including Komodo Airport in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Minister Sumadi said the development of Komodo Airport is currently still using state budget, and private investment is seen as the right mean to further enhance the infrastructure.

“This airport’s development still uses state budget. And in the future, we hope private investors can play a part in further improving this airport to be better and more competitive,” Sumadi said after the inauguration of the airport’s expansion on Thursday, July 21, as reported by Antara.

As an important entry point to many tourist destinations in NTT, expansion is deemed a necessity for the 114-hectare airport, especially since the province has been named as one of the “10 New Bali” by the Indonesian government.

“At the moment, Komodo Airport serves narrow-body aircrafts. The current length of the runway is 2,650 meters, and if another 100 meters are added, wide-body aircrafts can also use the airport – and many more countries can be reached,” the Minister said.

A 1,500-square meter terminal building also underwent renovation with addition of cultural aesthetics, such as the motif of traditional songket fabric, as the concept for the facility.

Improving transport infrastructure is part of the grand plan to promote tourist attractions across Indonesia, and Sumadi said President Joko Widodo ordered his ministers to focus on the projects – by also synergizing with regional governments and local figures.

“It’s all also thanks to the President that always reminds us to develop the 10 tourist destinations that can provide many job opportunities,” Sumadi concluded.