Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives Commission V on transportation and infrastructure has encouraged El Tari airport management in East Nusa Tenggara to improve the supporting facilities.

"The El Tari airport management must improve the facilities in order to give the best possible service to airplane passengers," The Houses Commission V Chairman Laurens Bahang Dama stated here on Tuesday.

He noted that the airport should be supported by adequate facilities for passengers to enjoy.

Meanwhile, PT Angkasa Pura Airport Duty Manager Gabriel Lusi Keraf has stated that the El Tari airport was undergoing renovations to support international flight landings.

"The airport is undergoing massive renovations as part of its preparation to serve international flights on the Kupang-Dili-Darwin route in the future," Gabriel explained here recently.

According to Gabriel, the renovations include building departure and arrival lounges for international flight passengers.

Gabriel noted that besides the renovations, areas for immigration, quarantine, and customs are also being set up at El Tari airport.

Meanwhile, East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Lebu Raya pointed out that he had proposed the opening of an international route covering Kupang-Dili-Darwin to the Air Transportation Directorate General at the Ministry of Transportation.

The governor stated that the proposal for international flight service at El Tari airport was handed over to the Transportation Ministry late January 2014.

He noted that El Tari airport will serve international flights in order to support tourism in the province, since Komodo Islands was a popular world tourist destination in Indonesia in 2013.

The provincial government aims to promote tourism, since there are several tourist sites in the province.

Therefore, the basic infrastructures to support tourism, such as transport facilities, adequate accommodation, and ample and reliable information, need to be strengthened.

Various local community groups in the province work to promote the local tourism industry, although many of these activities are still somewhat underdeveloped and need strengthening.

EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2014