TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo officiated the use of Wiriadinata Air Force Base in Tasikmalaya, West Java, as an airport that can be used for commercial flights.
"I recognize the potentials of this southern area. Tasikmalaya has excellent trade. It has to be supported by both land and air infrastructure," President Jokowi said in his remarks to officiate Wiriadinata airport on Saturday (10/6).
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President Jokowi claimed that the construction of land and air transportation infrastructure would speed up the development of economic strength in Tasikmalaya.
Jokowi also ordered Transportation Ministry to lengthen the runway to 1.600 meters by the end of 2017. He believes that in the course of six months more airlines will come since Tasikmalaya holds great economic potentials.
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Wiriadinata airports can only be used by ATR aircraft or small propeller planes. During the opening of the airport, Wings Air had their debut flight wth ATR aircraft with Tasikmalaya-Bandung route. In the future, other destinations will also be available including flights to Jakarta.
ANTARA
