"Thank God, this afternoon, we can inaugurate the operation of Siboru Airport in Fakfak and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire," he stated at the inauguration of Siboru Airport in Fakfak in a live broadcast from the Presidential Secretariat.
The head of state drew attention to the difficulties faced in transportation access in Papua on account of several unreachable areas, with hours or even days taken to travel in order to reach one area.
He noted that the increasing development of infrastructure and economic sectors in Papua required better facilities, including transportation facilities.
"Siboru Airport and Douw Aturure Airport, which we inaugurated today, will increase connectivity in Papua, increase people's mobility, increase goods' mobility, and open up many opportunities to trigger the growth of new economies and new businesses," the president remarked.
He noted that Siboru Airport would become an air bridge in the West Papua region to connect Fakfak, Sorong, Timika, Kaimana, Amahai, Dobo, Bintuni, and other areas.
Meanwhile, the Douw Aturure Airport in Central Papua Province will boost connectivity between Nabire and several cities in Papua, such as Timika, Manokwari, and Jayapura.
"I want the regional government and the community to make the best use of these airports by taking advantage of increasingly open access to introduce the existing potential in these areas," he emphasized.
The head of state is upbeat that the two airports can also increase the activity of various tourist destinations and boost tourist visits to Papua.
Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, and several local regional officials also accompanied President Jokowi on this agenda.
Several traditional leaders, community leaders, and Fakfak residents also attended this activity.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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