President Jokowi: Newly-operated General Soedirman Airport to Boost Economy in C. Java

President Jokowi accompanied by First Lady Iriana Jokowi inspects development progress of General Soedirman Airport in Purbalingga regency, Central Java, Friday (11/6). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

General Soedirman Airport is expected to bring huge contribution to the economic growth in Central Java province, particularly its southern part, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“We expect the airport can bring contribution to the economic growth not only in Purbalingga regency, but also in Banyumas, Cilacap, Banjarnegara, Wonosobo, and the surrounding regions including Kebumen,” President Jokowi said after an inspection to General Soedirman Airport, Purbalingga regency, Central Java, Friday (11/6).

The President went on to say that although the development is not completed yet, the Airport has been operating since 1 June 2021, while the first flights were made two day later.

“Although the terminal is not completed yet, the first flights were made last week by Citilink airline, namely Jakarta-Purbalingga route and Purbalingga-Surabaya route. Alhamdulillah, thank God, the flights carried more than 70 percent of passengers,” he stated.

He added that this airport is also expected to improve mobility of the people and goods in the southern part of Central Java province that will eventually boost the economic growth in that region.

The President said that the operation of General Soedirman Airport with a 1,600 meter-long and 30 meter-wide runway that started before it has completely constructed makes the airport more productive.

“This way is better than we wait for the terminal to be fully completed before starting the operation,” he said while expressing a hope that similar method will be adopted in the development of other airports. (TGH/UN) (RAS/MUR)