Gov’t Begins Construction of New Capital’s Airport

President Jokowi leads the groundbreaking ceremony of Nusantara Capital Airport in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province (11/01). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The Government has officially kicked off the construction project of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara (IKN) Airport.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo led the groundbreaking ceremony for the airport on Wednesday (11/01).

“This airport is essential. The more activities in IKN, the higher the mobility of people and goods to IKN,” he said, adding that the airport will also make IKN region more open, well-connected, and accessible.

The President also expressed optimism that the airport will increase IKN’s competitiveness.

“I am certain that IKN Airport will increase its competitiveness, boost economic growth, promote potential development in the regions, and accelerate the ongoing development of IKN,” he said.

President Jokowi stated that IKN Airport is a special airport used to support government affairs and connectivity in the new capital, adding that the airport is designed to have an area of 347 hectares with a runway of 3,000 x 45 meters that can serve wide-body aircrafts.

“It will also be equipped with a terminal with an area of 7,350 square meters, so passengers can be served well and conveniently,” he said.

The President also pointed out that the airport built with a budget of Rp4.3 trillion is targeted to be ready for operations in mid-2024 and fully operated at the end of 2024.

“It is aimed to be fully operated in December 2024, but it will have been ready to operate in June 2024,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (DH/MMB)