Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Siboru Airport, Fakfak Regency, West Papua and Douw Aturure Nabire Airport, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, at Siboru Airport, November 23, 2023

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May prosperity be upon all of us,

Shalom.

Distinguished Ministers, Governor of West Papua, Regent of Fakfak, Customary Leaders, Community Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen, all the people of Fakfak whom I love.

Thank God, this afternoon we are going to inaugurate the operation of Siboru Airport in Fakfak and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire. We know that access in Papua is not easy. There are still many areas here that are difficult to reach, the access is difficult, and it can take hours or even days to reach an area.

Papua is increasingly developing, there are more and more developments, and economic activities are increasing, thus better transportation facilities and infrastructure are needed. Siboru Airport and Douw Aturure Airport that we are going to inaugurate today will improve connectivity in Papua, increase the mobility of people and goods, and open up many opportunities to trigger the growth of new economic hubs and new businesses.

And, Siboru Airport will become an air bridge in the West Papua region, connecting Fakfak with other areas, Fakfak to Sorong, to Timika, to Kaimana, to Amahai, to Babo, to Dobo, to Bintuni, and others. And, Douw Aturure Airport in Central Papua Province will also connect Nabire with several cities in Papua, such as Timika, Manokwari and Jayapura.

I ask the regional government as well as the local community to make the best use of these airports, take advantage of increasingly open access to introduce the potential that exists in our region, introduce existing tourist destinations, and increase tourist visits to the land of Papua.

That concludes my remarks. And, by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this afternoon I inaugurate Siboru Airport in Fakfak regency, West Papua province and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire regency, Central Papua province.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(TM/MMB)