TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government through Transportation Ministry planned to build and develop four airports in West Papua in a bid to speed up connectivity, viz. Rendani Airport in Manokwari, Siboru Airport in Fakfak, Raja Ampat Airport, and Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the project coordination was still afoot with regional administrations. “We coordinate with West Papua administration as there are several issues on land must be solved,” said Budi Karya in a written statement, Monday, Oct. 14.

Budi Karya reiterated that the construction of Fakfak Airport was expected to begin this year after the completion of the land acquisition. The ministry then would begin the cut and fill process in 2020, while the airport would operate in 2023.

Meanwhile, the land clearing for airport projects in Rendani of Manokwari would start in 2020. “We will finish it in 2021,” said Budi Karya, adding that the process has reached 25 percent to date.

As for airport in Raja Ampat, the minister targeted to complete the land acquisition at the year’s end, hoping the 1,525-meter airport would run for operational starting 2020.

“For Sorong Airport, we only have to equip the facilities and extend the runway,” Budi Karya said.

Budi Karya mentioned that the discussion on the construction and development of airport projects was established in a coordination meeting attended by West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan, officials of the Ministry of Public House and Working or PUPR, officials of the Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Planning, regents, transportation stakeholders, and transportation agencies across the province.

In addition to the airport project, Budi Karya talked about the development of ports in Sorong. “We will make an improvement. What we do aims to quicken the connectivity,” he said.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA