Gov’t to Build Airport in Sukabumi, West Java

Given West Java is the most densely populated province in Indonesia with 48 million people, the Government strives to accelerate transportation infrastructure development in that province.

One of which is by accelerating the development of Kertajati Airport, Patimban Seaport, and other airport planned to be built in Sukabumi.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi explained that there are two new cores of development, namely Kertajati Airport and Patimban Seaport.

“We are now developing seaport bigger than Tanjung Priok Seaport in Jakarta. All big ships from America, Europe will be anchored there. Goods from all over Indonesia will be shipped from Patimban Seaport to overseas. This is an international hub port,” Minister of Transportation said in a 16^th National Dialog in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday (18/7).

Patimban Seaport which is scheduled to be completed by 2020, is expected to facilitate a smooth flow of goods and logistics for industry in West Java, and bring prosperity for the people of West Java.

In addition to the seaport, West Java also has Kertajati Airport that was inaugurated in May this year.

“Thus, those who are planned to perform Hajj, Umrah, or go on a holiday can go through Kertajati Airport. That are the intention of the Government, namely providing transportation facilities to the people,” Budi added.

The Minister also said that aside from development of airport and seaport, Sukabumi is also developing the construction of Bogor-Sukabumi double track railway.

“I have received several complaints that travel time from Bogor to Sukabumi takes about 6 hours. Thus, we are now constructing double track railway. Once the construction is completed, traveling from Bogor to Sukabumi which currently takes 3 to 4 hours, will be done in approximately 45 minutes,” the Minister stated.

Moreover, the Government will also built an airport in Sukabumi that is planned to be completed by 2020. “Thus, (traveling) from Jakarta to Sukabumi will take 30 minutes only,” the Minister added.

The Minister believes that the development of infrastructure facilities will change Sukabumi into the tourism center in West Java.

On the other hand, Minister of Transportation also informed that the Government will construct Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Bandung. This transportation mode will provide convenience for the community and reduce traffic congestion in Bandung.

“If you want to travel to Bandung, there will be (intercity) train. In Bandung, there will be LRT Metro Capsule, high-speed train, and monorail which will provide convenience for people traveling from Jakarta to Bandung or within Bandung. It all is aimed to reduce congestion caused by cars and motocycles; moreover, monorail is cheaper and environmentally friendly,” the Minister said.

Therefore, Minister of Transportation expected West Java community to participate in supporting developments made by the Government as well as use and take care of transportation facilities provided.

“We expect West Java community to be proactive in supporting developments made by the Government and to participate in promoting and using it,” Budi concluded.

Also attending the event were Acting Governor of West Java Province Comr. Gen. M. Iriawan, businessperson, academicians, and West Java community. (Humas Kemenhub/ES) (RAS/YM/Naster)