President Jokowi to Inaugurate Regional Airports in C. Sulawesi
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurates the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport in Palu city, Central Sulawesi province, Wednesday (03/26). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Jay)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (03/26) kicked off Central Sulawesi working visit.
The President and his entourage took off from Halim Perdana Kusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta at around 06.50 Western Indonesian Time onboard Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircraft.
Upon arrival at Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport in Banggai regency, President Jokowi continued to travel to Banggai Islands regency using the Indonesian Air Force’s Super Puma helicopter.
In Banggai Islands regency, the President is scheduled to inaugurate road sections as part of the implementation of Presidential Instruction on Regional Roads in Central Sulawesi province and visit local markets.
Afterward, the President will return to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport to take off for Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport in Palu city to inaugurate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport and several airports.
According to the President, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport that hit by the 2018 Palu earthquake spent a budget of Rp567 billion.
“We’re aware that Palu was hit by an earthquake several years ago, causing extensive damage to Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport, including the runway and terminal. Therefore, we initiated rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts,” the President said.
With a runway measuring 2,510 meters in length and 45 meters in width, he said, Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport can now accommodate narrow-body aircraft, which will enhance the efficiency of transportation for the people and goods to and from Central Sulawesi province.
“When I observed the interior, I noticed that the architecture had undergone significant improvements, becoming more attractive and functional for our use,” he said.
In his remarks, the President also underscored the significance of airports in facilitating the movement of goods and people across the country, especially in times of disaster.
“During the earthquake, we experienced firsthand the critical role of airports in enabling the movement of people, passengers, logistics, and goods. Everything was disrupted, and I recall wanting to send aid but couldn’t do so because the airport was inaccessible at that time,” he stressed.
On that occasion, the President also inaugurated three other airports. They are as follows:
– Banggai Laut Airport in Banggai regency, Central Sulawesi province, with a budget of Rp276 billion. The airport features a passenger terminal covering an area of 1,400 square meters, and a runway measuring 1,200 meters x 30 meters.
– Bolaang Mongondow Airport in Bolaang Mongondow regency, North Sulawesi province, with a budget of Rp391 billion. The airport features a terminal building covering 993 square meters, with a 1,600-meter-long and 30 meter-wide runway.
– Taman Bung Karno Airport in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) regency, North Sulawesi province, with a budget of Rp599 billion. The airport features a terminal building covering an area of 600 square meters, with a runway measuring 1,400 meters x 30 meters.
After concluding the entire series of his working visit in the regency, the President will inaugurate the Anutapura Medical Center (AMC) Building at the Anutapura Regional Hospital in Palu city, along with several other infrastructure projects. (TGH/KS/UN) (RIF/RAS/MMB)
