I am optimistic more tourists would visit Lembata when the jet aircraft could land at the airport."
Lembata, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut B. Panjaitan promised the government would soon lengthen the runway of the Lembata airport in Flores.

"I see there are a lot that needs to be developed in Lembata for its tourism potential, therefore, we will soon lengthen the runway of the airport to support development of the tourism potential of that area," Luhut said here.

The airport would be expanded that it could be used not only by propeller aircraft but also jet aircraft or bigger aircraft, he said when attending the Archipelago Day Commemoration.

He said the district administration could help in land clearing.

"I am optimistic more tourists would visit Lembata when the jet aircraft could land at the airport," he added.

Luhut also saw the problem with the shortage in power supply in Lembata and the highway leading to Lembata also needs repair.

President Joko Widodo has said that he wanted equitable distribution of development not only concentrated in Java.

The president has pledged to give priority to development of eastern part of the country, he said.

He said East Nusa Tenggara has also seen extraordinary progress in development, he said, citing for the first time in history seven dams are built at once in this province.

Luhut attended the Archipelago Day Commemorations representing the president who is on a visit abroad.
(Uu.H-ASG/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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