President Jokowi Encourages to Implement KPBU Scheme to Build Public Infrastructure

President Jokowi inaugurates Singkawang Airport at Singkawang city, West Kalimantan province, Wednesday (03/20). (Photo by: Screenshot)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated Singkawang airport, in Singkawang city, Wednesday (03/24). In his speech, President Jokowi expressed appreciation for infrastructure development under government-to-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the private sector.

“Singkawang airport was built under KPBU scheme and also CSR assistance from Singkawang’s entrepreneurs. Earlier, the Minister of Transportation has said that the State Budget allocates Rp272 billion and entrepreneurs give Rp155 billion,” said the President.

President Jokowi also encouraged to implement this scheme in other regions, so that it can accelerate the development of various regions in the country.

“If this scheme can be implemented in many airports or many infrastructure projects, or many ports, this will accelerate infrastructure development in our country. This means that people from that city, people from that district, people from that province, also participate in their respective regions. Once again, to the entrepreneurs, I would like to express my deepest gratitude,” said the President.

He also expressed hope that the existence of this airport can accelerate mobility while growing new economic hubs in Singkawang and its surrounding areas.

“The Government hopes that this will speed up the mobility of people, the mobility of goods, the mobility of logistics to and from Singkawang. The Government also hopes that new economic growth points will emerge in Singkawang city,” said the President.

Specifically, the President has asked Minister of Transportation to encourage the opening of flight routes to Singkawang.

“If the airport is ready, Minister of Transportation will immediately prepare numerous flights, as long as the passengers are full. If the passengers are full, more airlines will definitely come to Singkawang,” he remarked.

Based on information from Ministry of Transportation, Singkawang airport was built under KPBU scheme and CSR from local Singkawang entrepreneurs. At least eight local entrepreneurs have invested in this infrastructure development.

Singkawang airport was built from 2019 to 2023 and is targeted to operate in April 2024. This airport has a runway of 1,400 meters x 30 meters, a taxiway of 200 meters x 18 meters, an apron of 100 meters x 50 meters, and a cargo terminal of 312 square meters that was built using the State Budget.

Meanwhile, the passenger terminal building covering an area of 8,000 square meters and the runway extension to 2,000 meters were built using CSR funds. With a 2,000-meter runway, Singkawang airport can accommodate Airbus A320 aircraft. (DND/UN) (EST/MMB)