"(The groundbreaking) is ready. Maybe on November 1," Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stated when met at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday
Hadimuljono affirmed that the government has made all preparations to carry out the activity to commence development of the VVIP Airport.
The minister stated that President Jokowi would personally lay down the first brick of the airport after concluding his working visit to West Sumatra Province in late October.
By developing the VVIP Airport, the government is aiming to provide a high level of convenience to investors in reaching the future capital city of Indonesia, he noted.
"Investors will be able to reach the city faster. People can enter IKN through the city's airport," he explained.
He further revealed that in addition to participating in the groundbreaking activity, the president will personally inspect the progress in development of Nusantara.
According to Hadimuljono, the government has managed to reach 30 percent of completion in the development of the city located in East Kalimantan Province.
Earlier, on August 30, the minister stated that the task of constructing the airport had been assigned to the PUPR Ministry and the Ministry of Transportation.
"We share the assignment. The PUPR Ministry will build the runway, toll road access to the VVIP airport, aprons, and taxiways, while the Transportation Ministry will handle construction of the terminal," he noted.
He revealed that the entire design of the VVIP Airport, including the runway, has been prepared by the Ministry of Transportation.
"All the designs came from the Ministry of Transportation," he remarked.
Meanwhile, on August 5, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi emphasized that his ministry aims to highlight Kalimantan's culture in the airport's construction.
"We will invest maximum efforts to ensure that the airport's architecture showcases Kalimantan's culture while embracing the concept of a green airport," he stated.
He also expressed hope that the airport would be operational by the 79th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day next year.
"We are preparing for the airport's construction, with its runway and terminals designed by the nation's talents. We hope the airport will be operational by August 17, 2024," he stated.
Based on data, as much as Rp4.28 trillion (approximately US$268.5 million) has been allocated from the State Budget (APBN) for constructing the airport's runway, which will measure 3,000 x 45 meters and be capable of serving large aircraft, such as Boeing 777-300 ER and Airbus A380.
The airport will also be equipped with a helipad, with a capacity of three helicopters.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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