TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said three airlines had started flight operational from APT Pranoto Airport, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province to several cities. The airliners were Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Express Air.
“The President ordered for more flight routes from and to Samarinda. Thus far, three airliners will start flight operations in the new routes,” said Budi Karya in a written statement, Sunday, Oct. 28.
Budi explained Lion Air would start its first flight from Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar to APT Pranoto Airport, Samarinda. Then followed by Garuda Indonesia from Jakarta and Express Air from Yogyakarta. “The flight permit from and to Samarinda is currently under process in Directorate General of Air Transportation,” he added.
Previously reported, Jokowi directly ordered Transportation Ministry to open the routes from Jakarta and Surabaya to the airport within two weeks ahead. The President also demanded the airport expansion to 36,000 square meters from previously 12,000 square meters.
CHITRA PARAMAESTI