Commercial flights from Halim Perdanakusuma were expected to run for less than 10 years until the development of a new Soekarno-Hatta class airport.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia opened Halim Perdanakusuma air force base in Jakarta for commercial flights, here on Friday, as part of efforts to reduce congestion at Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Deputy Minister of transportation Bambang Susantono stated that commercial flights from Halim Perdanakusuma were expected to run for less than 10 years until the development of a new Soekarno-Hatta class airport, just after a ceremony marking a maiden flight of Citilink from the airport.

"Perhaps they will run for less than 10 years. Following the annual evaluation and the development of a new airport, Halim Perdanakusuma will be focused on its original functions namely serving VVIP flights and defense purposes," he added.

He explained that the opening of Halim Perdanakusuma for commercial flights was only temporary just to overcome flight congestion at Soekarno-Hatta airport.

As Halim Perdanakusuma has been essentially designed for military purposes, the functions will still remain the same, although it has now been opened for commercial flights, he explained, adding that in case of military purposes or VVIP flights scheduled, commercial flights may be delayed.

"The shifting of flights to Halim is only a short-term solution. It will indeed not significantly reduce flights at Soekarno-Hatta but instead, it will help reduce burden there especially during certain hours to meet the ideal capacity of flights," he emphasized.

Bambang pointed out that a new airport must be built to reduce the burden of Soekarno-Hatta.

He added that the new airport, which is as big as Soekarno-Hatta, will be built near the heavily populated East Jakarta.

With the functioning of new airport later, people may even choose to fly from Soekarno-Hatta or the new one depending on their place of residences.

So far, Karawang district in West Java has been considered the most ideal location for the new airport.

"Based on the results of studies, there are seven alternatives, however, the most ideal is at Karawang," he added.

He remarked that the project cost was estimated at up to Rp10 trillion, and will be designed as an eco-friendly airport.

He added that the project is expected to finish within five or six years.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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