Kalimantan Island has recently welcomed the inauguration of a new airport by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The Singkawang Airport, located in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan (Kalbar), was officially opened on Wednesday. This significant infrastructure project, costing Rp. 427 billion, marks a new era for transportation in the region.
President Jokowi expressed his gratitude and commenced the ceremony with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the efforts behind the airport’s construction. Through a virtual platform, he emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, involving both government and private sector contributions.
“With the blessing of Allah, this morning, I officially inaugurate the Singkawang Airport in Singkawang City, West Kalimantan Province,” said President Jokowi, witnessed online through a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The Singkawang Airport’s development, a joint venture between the government and business entities, was made possible through funding from the State Budget (APBN) amounting to Rp272 billion. Additionally, local entrepreneurs contributed Rp155 billion, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional development.
During the inauguration event, President Jokowi underscored the broader implications of such partnerships. He highlighted the potential for similar collaborations to accelerate infrastructure initiatives nationwide, fostering inclusive growth and development.
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi provided insights into the airport’s construction timeline and funding breakdown. He outlined the various phases of development, spanning from 2019 to 2023, and emphasized the role of CSR initiatives in supplementing government funding.
The Singkawang Airport boasts modern facilities, including a 1,400-meter runway, taxiways, aprons, and cargo terminals. These amenities, funded through the APBN, signify a significant investment in enhancing regional connectivity and economic prospects.
Furthermore, the passenger terminal, covering an expansive area of 8,000 square meters, and runway extensions were made possible through CSR contributions. This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of infrastructure development are widely distributed.
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President Jokowi envisioned the Singkawang Airport as a catalyst for economic growth, facilitating increased mobility and trade opportunities. He emphasized its potential to attract investment and stimulate economic activity in the region.
As the inauguration ceremony concluded, President Jokowi urged the Minister of Transportation to coordinate with airlines to ensure seamless connectivity. He emphasized the importance of robust air transportation services in maximizing the airport’s potential.
The Singkawang Airport’s inauguration signifies a significant milestone in Kalimantan’s development trajectory. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, it is poised to become a key hub for domestic and international travel, unlocking new opportunities for the region’s prosperity.
In attendance at the ceremony were key government officials, including Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development initiatives across the archipelago.
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