TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will become the first man who lands in New Yogyakarta International Airport or NYIA. The president will also inaugurate the newly-built airport on Monday, April 29.

“The first landing in the airport will be on Monday. [This marks] the operation of Kulon Progo airport. The facilities must be provided as well as possible,” said Budi in Grand Mercure Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday, April 26.

Budi Karya hoped the newly-built airport inauguration will encourage the development of the 'New Bali' in the region. Thus, supporting transportation such as a bus or taxi in the area must be provided to enhance connectivity.

According to the Minister, the airport will start its commercial operation after the inauguration. “At least five airlines will operate there, two of which from Jakarta. [But] the operation will be allowed for domestic flights first, as for the international ones will likely start in the next two to three weeks later,” he added.

Earlier, Minister Budi said the progress of the airport’s airside construction had reached 100 percent completion.

“Alhamdulillah, the construction project of New Yogyakarta International Airport's passenger terminal has reached 20 percent completion, but the practical runway has reached 100 percent and that probably has the best qualification [among other airports' runway] in Indonesia,” said Budi in a written statement while monitoring the project in Kulonprogo with Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan HB X on Wednesday, April 24.

HENDARTYO HANGGI

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