TEMPO.CO, Wasior - Papua will have a new airport soon. Paulus Y Indubri, Deputy Regent of Wondama Bay, West Papua, said the Transportation Ministry will begin the construction of Wasior Airport in the regency by 2020.

"The Transportation Ministry is ready, we also be must. Construction must start next year because it has been delayed for three years," Indubri said in Wasior, Tuesday, March 12.

According to Indubri, the construction of Papua's Wasior Airport is included in the central government's priority program to start in 2020. He said that the local Transportation Agency has ensured there are no more problems hindering the airport's construction.

Indubri went on to say the new airport will add strategic value and accelerate the progress of Wondama Bay. He called on all parties to support the implementation of the project.

The construction of the new airport in Teluk Wondama is a direct instruction from President Joko Widodo when he visited Wasior, Papua, at the end of 2016.

Some of the initial stages have been carried out, including feasibility studies, environment socialization, and spatial revisions. However, land clearing cannot yet be carried out, as it is still facing land acquisition constraints.

The regency government plans to buy and clear 280 hectares of land for the Wasior Airport area in West Papua. To date, negotiations between landowners and concerned parties are still ongoing.

ANTARA