Kertajati Airport is Expected to Boost Economic Growth: President Jokowi
President Jokowi after the maiden flight to West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka, West Java, Thursday (24/5). (Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/ Jay).
Presidential aircraft Indonesia-1 carrying President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his entourage became a maiden flight to West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka, West Java, Thursday (24/5).
The landing was celebrated with one-minute water salute ceremony by two vehicles on the left side and the right side of the plane.
“Praise to God, we have seen the historical landing. This is the first official landing at Kertajati International Airport after several previous trials, “President Jokowi said after got off the plane.
The President expressed his hope that Kertajati Airport can provide services to all residents of West Java, and all Indonesian people travelling to West Java and that the operation of Kertajati Airport will generate economic impact for Majalengka Regency as well as West Java Province.
“We expect in the future the Kertajati Airport will be integrated with Patimban Port since the distance from the airport to Patimban is approximately 40 kilometers,” the President explained, adding that the integration will improve services to investors in order to boost economic growth in West Java.
President Jokowi further said that the construction of Kertajati Airport is a successful pilot project, because the construction is finished under the cooperation between the central Government, the Government of West Java, and private companies.
“We will develop this kind of business models in other provinces and other areas so that the speed of development can immediately benefit the people,” President Jokowi said.
Answering questions from journalists, President Jokowi stated that Minister of Transportation has reported to him that on 8 June the Kertajati Airport will be ready for commercial flights.
Accompanying President Jokowi during his visit to Majalengka were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, and West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan.
(FID/ES) (RI/MMB/Naster)
