During the visit, the VP and his entourage received a briefing from the Head of the Aviation Division at the Central Papua Provincial Transportation Office, Samuel Ricky Rantelimbong.
Rantelimbong explained that as Nabire develops into a provincial capital, the demand for air transportation has increased significantly.
“After Nabire developed into a provincial capital, flight demand increased, requiring larger aircraft,” he said while explaining to the vice president.
The Central Papua Provincial Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Air Transportation regarding the airport’s development and has also participated in its construction.
Rantelimbong noted that the airport’s development has been carried out in stages.
The provincial government has supported the project by extending the runway from 1,600 meters to 2,500 meters.
“Thanks to this development, Nabire Airport can now accommodate Boeing aircraft, although some airport facilities still hold the standards for ATR-type aircraft,” he said.
He added that further development is required, including widening the runway, expanding the apron, developing the terminal, constructing passenger boarding bridges, and upgrading supporting facilities such as fire trucks to meet Boeing standards.
The development of Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire is aimed at supporting community mobility and regional economic growth.
During the visit, VP Gibran emphasized the importance of accelerating the airport’s development to keep pace with the growing demand for air transportation in Central Papua.
He also encouraged synergy between the central and regional governments to ensure optimal airport infrastructure development, thereby improving interregional connectivity, facilitating logistics distribution, and opening up economic and investment opportunities for local communities.
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Translator: Mentari, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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