"For August 17, we have prepared two scenarios (to serve VVIPs) at Nusantara or Balikpapan airports,"
Nusantara, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The government has ramped up preparations at Nusantara's VVIP Airport to serve guests arriving by air for Indonesia's 79th Independence Day ceremony at the new capital on August 17 this year.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi informed that the government is preparing scenarios for guest arrivals at the Nusantara VVIP Airport and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport in the nearby city of Balikpapan.

"For August 17, we have prepared two scenarios (to serve VVIPs) at Nusantara or Balikpapan airports," he said here on Monday.

Nusantara's VVIP Airport is being constructed on 621 hectares of land in Penajam sub-district, North Penajam Paser district, East Kalimantan.

While the Nusantara VVIP Airport could start serving passengers by August 2024, the minister said that the commencement of flights to the airport would ultimately hinge on its readiness.

Otherwise, flights will have to be diverted to Balikpapan airport, he added.

On Sunday (July 28, 2024), ANTARA observed some backhoes flattening the area where the airport's apron and the runway will come up. Two half-completed buildings could also be seen on the future airport's site.

Meanwhile, the airport's concrete-made access road has been connected to a national road.

Sumadi confirmed that the airport will be designed as an eco-friendly building that integrates traditional designs native to the region.

"While our ministry developed the airport building, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry is developing the runway," he added.

The minister said that he is determined to avoid construction failure at the VVIP airport by ensuring professional and accountable development. He also added that weather issues in the past two months have hindered work on the airport.

Meanwhile, Public Works and Public Housing Minister and Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) acting head, Basuki Hadimuljono, said that President Joko Widodo has asked him not to rush with the new capital's development.

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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