President Jokowi Inaugurates Ranai Airport

President Jokowi at the inauguration of Ranai Airport, Natuna, Riau Islands, Riau (6/10)

In his visit to Natuna Regency, Riau Islands Province, on Thursday (6/10), besides attended Angkasa Yudha military exercises, President Joko Widodo also inaugurated Ranai Airport.

The President expected Ranai Airport, that has 3,865 square meter runway, could increase people and goods mobilities that can drive the economy.

“Ranai Airport would be a bridge connecting Natuna and Tanjung Pinang, Batam, as well as other provinces/regencies/cities,” the President said while reminding absence of connections would create underdeveloped regions.

This Airport is expected to be able to increase the state revenue in tourism and fisheries sectors as well as to make logistics shipping cheaper and faster.

Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumardi, in his report, said that the Airport is an important need for this border and foremost area. Moreover, it supports the efforts to make the region’s economy better.

“The Airport was built to accommodate the airplane which is the fastest mode of transportation. Using a ship would make the trip longer whereas the port still needs to be repaired,” Budi said.

The inauguration was attended by the Governor of Riau Islands Nurdin Basirun, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Speaker of Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Riau Islands Sam Budigustiawan and Regent of Natuna Abdul Hamid Rizal. (Humas Pemprov Kepri/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)