Dekai, Papua (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Tuesday inaugurated Nop Goliat Dekai Airport in Yahukimo district, Papua Province.

The president said it was one of the seven key airports that would connect 517 villages in Yahukimo. "The airport will improve connectivity. I hope it can be used by local people optimally," the president said, even as he called on locals to care for the airport. "The airport is expected to support local economy and help it compete with other regions".

The airport currently has a 1,950-meter-long runway, which the president has ordered the transport ministry to extend to 2,500 meters. This will allow larger aircraft to land at the airport. "The construction should be completed in two years," Jokowi said.

The development of Dekai airport was initiated in 2004. The central and regional governments have jointly spent Rp320,7 billion on the project.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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