As we can all see, the public is enthusiastic to transform the district into an advanced one."
Kulon Progo (ANTARA News) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has praised the governments of Kulon Progo District and Yogyakarta special province for their support to realize all phases of the construction of a new airport in Temon Sub-district.

"We, on behalf of the central government, highly laud Sultan HB X (the governor of Yogyakarta special province) and the Kulon Progo district government for their support to this plan. Without the support, we would not be able to realize the construction of the airport. We believe if we remain firm, the project will run faster," he stated while inspecting the planned site for the airport in Temon Sub-district, Kulon Progro District, on Saturday (Jan. 21).

The minister said he would urge President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the airport.

He believed Kulon Progo would become a strategic tourist destination once the construction of the airport was completed.

"As we can all see, the public is enthusiastic to transform the district into an advanced one," he stated.

The central government believes that the Yogyakarta special province has great potential to become a good tourist destination, he emphasized.

"We come here to ensure that the planned construction (of the airport) has been on the right track. We have received a report from the president director of state airport operator Angkasa Pura I that it is proceeding as per plan," he stated.

Only Bali has been the most popular tourist destination, he noted.

In future, the government will develop three other tourist destinations, including Yogyakarta, Lake Toba in North Sumatra, and Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, he remarked.

"We are proud of being Yogyakartas residents. The new airport in Kulon Progo will become a very good one and meet international standards to support growth in local tourism," he said.

The construction of the airport, including land clearance, will cost Rp9.3 trillion, he added.

(Reported by Sutarmi/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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