Check Kertajati Airport for Next Month Trial Preparedness: President Jokowi

President Jokowi inspects West Java International Aiport construction project, Kertajati, Majalengka Regency, West Java, Tuesday (17/4) (Photo: BPMI).

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, on Tuesday (17/4) afternoon, inspected the construction project of West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, in Majalengka, West Java Province.

Currently, the construction runs well and meets the target. In two years after its pegging, it is expected that in the next May Airport’s trial could be carried out. “Insyaa Allah (God willing) in next month we have a trial starting on 24 May. Then we will see if anything left to be reconstructed. The Kertajati Airport can carry around 5.6 million passengers (first phase), it is the second largest airport after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport,” the President said after the inspection.

This 1,800 hectares land constructed Airport has a 2,500x60metres runway and it will be lengthened to 3,000x60metres

In the future, the Government will also develop the Airport and its surrounding areas so it is integrated with other means of transportation such as train that travels directly to the Airport. “It will also be connected to toll road, entering Cipali,” the President uttered.

Besides, the President said, the Kertajati Airport will be a departing airport for Hajj pilgrimage congregations which will begin on Hajj time period this year. “I have asked Angkasa Pura (state-owned airport services company), they are ready; Garuda (the national airline of Indonesia) is also ready. During mudik (an annual exodus ahead of Eid al-Fitr -red) it could be used,” he explained.

Moreover, President Jokowi appreciated funding scheme and cooperation undertaken by central government local government, and private sector. The President expects this cooperation could be carried out in other development projects. “What makes me happy, this cooperation has involved West Java Province, central government, and private. They could collaborate and the work is done very quickly. We are looking for business models which accelerate funding so that infrastructure can be completed quickly,” he said.

Accompanying the President in this inspection were, among others, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Chief of Presidential Staff Moeldoko, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan, and Majalengka Regent Sutrisno. (BPMI/EN) (EPI/YM/Naster)