Two new airports in Papua increase regional connectivity
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 - Dua bandara baru di Papua tingkatkan konektivitas wilayah
24 November 2023
By: Nasori
Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the operation of Siboru Airport in Fakfak, West Papua and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire, Central Papua on Thursday (23/11/2023). The two airports were constructed to improve transportation connectivity in both areas.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), this afternoon, I will inaugurate the operation of Siboru Airport in Fakfak and Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire,” President Jokowi said during the inauguration of the airports in Fakfak Regency that he attended through a live video call from the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta.
President Jokowi said that transportation access in Papua was not easy as there are still many areas that are difficult to be accessed by citizens. Citizens often need to travel for hours or even days to get to an area.
According to the President, the development of the construction sector and the economy in Papua demands better transportation facilities and infrastructure.
“Siboru Airport and Douw Aturure Airport that we are inaugurating today will improve connectivity, passenger mobility, and cargo mobility in Papua. It will also open many opportunities that will trigger new economic growth, new businesses,” President Jokowi said.
The President said that Siboru Airport would be an airbridge in West Papua that connects Fakfak, Sorong, Timika, Kaimana, Amahai, Dobo, Bintuni, and several other areas.
Douw Aturure Airport that is located in Central Papua Province will connect Nabire to several cities in Papua, such as Timika, Manokwari, and Jayapura. “I am asking the regional government and the citizens to utilise the airport as best as possible. Take advantage of the access that is increasingly open to introduce the potentials in our region,” he said.
President Jokowi hopes that the airport will enliven various tourist destinations and increase tourist visits to Papua.
Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi hopes that the inauguration of both airports in Papua will facilitate the people’s mobility.
“We are asking for support from the regional government to market these airports to increase their passengers and flights,” the Transportation Minister said in Jakarta on Thursday (23/11/2023).
The Transportation Minister visited both airports that are national strategic projects (PSNs) on Wednesday (22/11/2023). “We have constructed airports that are beautiful and cool in Papua,” the Transportation Minister said.
Central-regional collaboration
He explained that both airports were the result of the collaboration between the central government and the regional government. “The regional government has provided the land to the central government. Then, the central government constructed the terminal, the runway, and other facilities,” he stated.
Siboru Airport was under construction from 2020 to 2023. Meanwhile, Dou Aturure Airport was under construction from 2020 to 2022.
Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had inaugurated Ewer Airport in Asmat Regency, South Papua in July 2023. The airport is used to facilitate transportation, especially of citizens in Asmat Regency.
The Transportation Minister said that Ewer Airport would be a strategic location to provide passenger and cargo flights in Papua.
“Ewer Airport would serve as a pivotal hub for both passenger and cargo flights, connecting major airports like Timika and Merauke, alongside smaller, remote airports in Papua,” the Transportation Minister said at the time.
