TEMPO.CO, Palembang – The Transportation Ministry has designated Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin (SMB) II Airport in Palembang and Radin Inten Airport in Bandar Lampung as the parking areas for the airplanes carrying delegates of the upcoming Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) anniversary event in Bandung.
Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan said both airports would be used should the two main airports appointed for the event be congested.
“Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is a good alternative to become a parking area of the delegates’ aircraft,” Jonan said after meeting with South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday, April 17, 2015.
The government is readying four airports to accommodate AAC delegates: Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Radin Inten in Bandar Lampung and Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in Palembang.
South Sumatra Governor Alex Nurdin said he was optimistic the airport was up to the task, since, technically, the airport was capable of accommodating a number of large-sized jetliners.
Besides, he added, the airport’s authorities and related agencies were experienced in catering to foreign aircraft. “We are experienced because international events are frequently held here,” Alex said.
PARLIZA HENDRAWAN
