IKN airport operational target delayed
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Target operasional bandara IKN molor
31 July 2024
By Heru Febrianto
Jakarta, ID – The operational launch of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) airport is expected to be delayed. Initially set for 1 August to support Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony in IKN, the new target for the VVIP airport to begin serving aircraft is now the end of August at the earliest.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has informed Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) about the potential delay of the IKN airport. In response, the President emphasised that construction projects in IKN should not be rushed.
“This is a refreshing change, as we will avoid undertaking construction activities that might fail. As the government, we must act with professional responsibility,” the Transportation Minister said in his press statement on Tuesday (30/7/2024).
He explained that bad weather over the last two months has posed a significant challenge for the construction of the IKN airport. Consequently, the Transportation Minister has developed flight scenarios for the celebration on 17 August, which may involve the utilisation of the IKN airport, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport in Balikpapan, or APT Pranoto Airport in Samarinda.
“The President has firmly stated that the project should not be rushed. While there is a possibility of delays, it is expected, inshallah (God willing), to be completed by late August,” he added.
Previously, in late June 2024, the Transportation Minister was optimistic about the VVIP airport called Nusantara Airport serving narrow-body aircraft on 1 August 2024 to support Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day ceremony on 17 August 2024. This was stated by Budi Karya during his work visit to IKN on Friday (21/6).
“This is my second visit to the IKN airport project in June 2024. I want to ensure that the airport can begin operations by 1 August 2024 to enhance connectivity in IKN, particularly in support of Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony,” Budi Karya explained at the time.
He mentioned that the runway at the IKN airport has completed its first layer of paving, making it capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft by 1 August 2024.
“However, after additional layers of paving are completed in future phases, the IKN airport will also be able to accommodate wide-body aircraft,” he added.
Continuously accelerated
Despite the anticipated delay in the operational launch of the VVIP airport in IKN, the Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Ministry is continuing its efforts to complete the construction of the apron and runway.
“On 4 August 2024, we were asked to complete the 180x90 metre apron,” Highways Director General of the PUPR Ministry Rachman Arief stated.
He mentioned that the apron facility was planned to be constructed in three locations, which will be used as helipads for important guests.
Rachman stated that the runway was planned to be completed by late August 2024. It will span 2,200 metres in length and cover an area of 3,000 square metres.
Besides the apron and runway, the PUPR Ministry must also procure an access road from the VVIP airport to the provincial road in North Penajam Paser Regency.
Rachmad stated that the land preparation for the airport construction received full support from the local regional government and key stakeholders within the PUPR Ministry, aiding in the development and future operations of the airport.
“We will coordinate with our friends at the Transportation Ministry to prepare the access from the VVIP airport to the existing provincial road,” he explained.
