Construction of Gen. Soedirman Airport Expected to be Finished Next Year

President Jokowi inspects the construction of General Soedirman Airport in Purbalingga, Central Java, Monday (23/4). (Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/Dinda).

The Government has started the construction of General Soedirman Airport in Purbalingga, built on 115 hectares of land.

So far, no strategic airport in the southern part and the western part of Central Java province is available

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo made the statement to reporters after inspecting the construction of General Soedirman Airport in Purbalingga, Central Java, Monday (23/4). The airport is named after General Soedirman, the first Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI)  and an Indonesian national hero.

“We expect the first phase of the runway will be 1,600 meters, and 2,500 meters in the second phase. We also expect to build a terminal covering 3,000 square meter to accommodate up to 300,000 passengers a year,” the President said.

President Jokowi also expressed his hope that the airport will be completed by the end of 2019 and added that the airport can bring benefits not only to Purbalingga, but also to nearby cities including Banjarnegara, Kebumen, Banyumas, Pemalang, Tegal, Brebes, and Wonosobo.

Purbalingga is located about 190 kilometers to the south west of Semarang, the Capital of Central Java Province.

“We expect new economic zones in Purbalingga and in the nearby areas.” President Jokowi added.

President Jokowi stated that Purbalingga has an export-oriented industry, including the largest eyelash industry in the country with 60,000 workers. The airport is also expected to boost the growth of investment in other industries, the President added.

“Besides the eyelash industry, we expect increase of investments in other businesses,” the President concluded.

Also present during the event were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Head of Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono, Military Secretary to the President Air Vice Marshall Trisno Hendradi and Commander of Presidential Security Detail Major General (Mar) Suhartono. (DNA/DID/EN) (RI/EP/Naster)