Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Trunojoyo Airport, Sumenep Regency, East Java Province, April 20, 2022

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, also present with me Minister of Defense, Minister of Transportation, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, and Minister of State Secretary;
Distinguished Governor of East Java and all ranks of Regional Leaders Forum (Forkopimda);
Distinguished Regent of Sumenep and all ranks of Forkopimda;
Distinguished Ulemas, Kyais, Religious Leaders;
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank God, the construction of Trunojoyo Airport in Sumenep Regency, Madura, has been completed, and it is ready to serve communities in the island of Madura, and other islands surrounding Madura.

As I have previously mentioned, the airport is very important to improve connectivity among small islands around the island of Madura, and open up the isolation of remote islands around Madura. The airport will also cut travel time from the islands around Madura, from several days using vessel to an hour using airplane.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am of the view that better connectivity will ease people’s mobility and create new economic centers. God willing, new businesses will emerge and new job opportunities will be available. Moreover, the existing businesses will grow and will be more advanced.

As Eid al-Fitr draws nearer, I order Minister of Transportation to take necessary measures for opening flight routes from Surabaya to Sumenep and from Jakarta to Sumenep, so that we can see the flight occupancy rate. I think, God willing, the flight will be fully booked.

I hope the airport can be utilized and be maintained as well as possible to improve regional competitiveness and boost communities’ economy to make people more prosperous.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion and by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this morning I inaugurate Trunojoyo Airport in Sumenep Regency, East Java Province.

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RI/MUR)