"We continue to raise the awareness of people living around the newly-opened airport to maintain and ensure security," Central Lombok Deputy District Head Lalu Normal Suzana said here on Saturday.
Lalu admitted that various circles still doubt about security around the new Lombok International Aiport which started operation on October 1, 2011.
He said airport management company PT Angkasapura-I has since October 1 operated the new aerodrome but lack of security around the airport area was still in public spotlight.
Besides unscrupulous thuggery by the surrounding communities, feverish actions along the access road to the airport are still happening.
BIL is located at Tanak Awu village in Central Lombok district, or some 40 km south of Matara, the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara province.
The Central Lombok deputy district head said that during the past two weeks since the operation of BIL, many of prospective passengers and airport visitors have been complaining about the lack of security condition.
He noted that Central Lombok district government would continue
to make every effort to to address various issues of security problems
around and at the airport but it should be very careful in order to avoid new problems from happening.
"In spite of the problems, we will continue to keep the airport activities running smoothly," Lalu Normal said.
Meanwhile, Central Lombok District Head Suhaili FT also asserted that the local authority would try to make the surrounding communities aware of the importance of the new international airport at their area.
Suhaili admitted that the security guarantee around the airport should absolutely improved for all parties because it would have a direct impact on the progress of surrounding villages.
"We realize it, and will continue to strive to take the positive benefits of the new international airport. There is `multiplayer effect` from the presence of such a big airport and that the people have to support it from various aspects," Suhaili said.
(Uu.O001/HAJM/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
