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 - Jokowi resmikan empat bandara di Sulawesi
27 March 2024
Jakarta, ID – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) with Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi inaugurated four airports in Sulawesi, namely Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri in Palu in Central Sulawesi, Banggai Laut Airport in Banggai Laut Regency in Central Sulawesi, Bolaang Mongondow Airport in Bolaang Mongondow Regency in North Sulawesi, and Taman Bung Karno Airport in Sitaro Regency in North Sulawesi on Tuesday (26/3). The four airports were inaugurated at Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport in Palu.
The President said that several years ago, an earthquake occurred in Palu that damaged several public facilities, including its airport.
“We know the damages on Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport were severe. The runway and the terminal were damaged. So, we rehabilitated and reconstructed it and three other airports in Central Sulawesi and North Sulawesi,” Jokowi said as quoted from his press statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/3/2024).
The President also said that, after the earthquake, he realised the importance of an airport for the mobility of passengers and logistics, which at the time was disrupted.
“I remember that we could not even send aid. Why? Because the airport could not be used at the time,” he added.
However, Jokowi continued that he was grateful as Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport has been reconstructed and rehabilitated, along with the inauguration of three other airports in Sulawesi. With a budget of Rp567 billion, the President revealed that Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport currently has runway of 2,510 metres x 45 metres that can accommodate narrow-body aircrafts.
“I see that the interior and the architecture inside have become more beautiful. It is now ready to be used. So, it will expedite the mobility of passengers and goods from and to Central Sulawesi,” the President explained.
Meanwhile, Banggai Laut Airport has a runway of 1,200 metres x 30 metres that can accommodate ATR 72 aircrafts. With a passenger terminal of 993 square metres, the airport can accommodate up to 52 thousand passengers annually.
Bolaang Mongondow Airport has a runway of 1,600 metres x 30 metres that can be landed by ATR 72 aircrafts. With a passenger terminal of 993 square metres, the airport can accommodate up to 52 thousand passengers annually.
Last but not least, Taman Bung Karno Airport has a runway of 1,400 metres x 30 metres that can accommodate ATR 72 aircrafts. The passenger terminal that covers 600 square metres can accommodate up to 27 thousand passengers annually.
Two ports in Palu ready to be inaugurated
The Transportation Ministry stated that two ports in Palu, Central Sulawesi were ready to be inaugurated by President Jokowi after the reparation and rehabilitation after the earthquake are completed.
Sea Transportation Director General of the Transportation Ministry Capt. Antoni Arif Priadi said that the two ports rehabilitated and reconstructed after the earthquake on 28 September 2018 were Pantoloan Port and Wani Port.
“Both ports are planned to be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on 27 March. It is an important milestone for the economic recovery of Central Sulawesi, especially of Palu, Donggala Regency, and other regions that sustain the capital city of Central Sulawesi,” Antoni said.
Antoni said that his agency has completed the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the ports in Palu Bay. The programme is part of the government’s effort to recover the services and operation as well as to increase the capacity and efficiency of the sea transportation sector in the region.
“It is a strategic step to support economic recovery and infrastructure [development] after the natural disaster that hit Central Sulawesi,” Antoni said.
He mentioned that the rehabilitation of facilities included the replacement of damaged existing structures as well as the construction of seaside and land side facilities at ports, such as aprons, docks, multipurpose cargo areas, passenger terminals, KSOP offices, and other public facilities.
Antoni revealed that that was in line with Presidential Instruction Number 10 of 2018 on Acceleration of Post-Earthquake and Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Central Sulawesi Province and Other Affected Regions.
He said that the government has established cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to organise the infrastructure and facilities damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in Palu and its surroundings.
“One of the cooperation focuses is the rehabilitation and reconstruction of ports in the Palu Bay area,” he explained.
Antoni elaborated on the rehabilitation of Wani Port, outlining several key developments. These include the construction of a 150-meter dock, a 28-meter trestle, an office building for operational purposes, a state ship garage, and a mosque. With these enhancements, Wani Port now boasts a cargo service capacity of 82,000 tonnes annually and the ability to host ships of up to 6,000 DWT.
Meanwhile, the reconstruction of Pantoloan Port involves several significant upgrades. These include rehabilitating the 93-meter trestle, extending the dock to span 169 meters, expanding the structure above the dock, and constructing a KSOP office building covering an area of 1,500 square meters.
Pantoloan Port has a container service capacity of 160,000 TEUs per year and can accommodate up to 30,000 DWT ships.
Antoni added that the purpose of the reconstruction was to increase the service capacity of the ports as centres for activities and logistics connectivity, as well as to sustain Nusantara Capital City (IKN).
“The Transportation Ministry appreciates the support of all parties in completing the rehabilitation and reconstruction programme. We hope that the revitalised ports will be the backbone in supporting economic growth and connectivity in Central Sulawesi,” he added.
