TEMPO.CO, Bawean - Indonesian Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan on Saturday (30/1) inaugurated Harun Thohir airport in Bawean island, Gresik district, East Java.
The airport is the first and only airport in the island, located about 70 kilometers off the north coast of East Java. The first flight from airport was launched on Thursday (28/1).
Commenting on the operation of the airport, Minister said: "With the operation of this airport, it is expected that economic activities of people in Bawean island will grow,” he said, adding that the locals now have an alternative transportation means besides ships.
Harun Thohir airport, whose construction began in 2006, has a runway with the length of 930 meter and the width of 23 meter. The Transportation Ministry has allocated a subsidy of Rp. 12 billion for the construction of the airport.
ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA