East Kalimantan Governor Complains over Sepinggan Airport's Name
24 March 2014 01:16 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Kalimantan Governor, Awang Faroek Ishak, had inaugurated the opening of new Sepinggan airport, Balikpapan, Saturday, March 22. However, during the international airport's inauguration, he complained about the new airport's name that appeared to have been disregarded by PT Angkasa Pura Balikpapan.
"The name is still Sepinggan Airport, Balikpapan," he said after he visited the airport, Saturday, March 22.
The governor had proposed the airport's name to be altered to Aji Sultan Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport. The name is one of the Sultans (kings) of Kutai kingdom as the origin of East Kalimantan public.
According to Awang, the use of the proposed named had been granted by the city government and the Balikpapan Legislative Council (DPRP). The East Kalimantan provincial government had been actively promoting the amendment so that it could be accepted by the locals.
PT Angkasa Pura Balikpapan appeared to be reluctant to accept the amendment. Head of Sepinggan Airport Security chief Sugiono said there was no direct order from the Transportation Ministry regarding the change of name.
The proposal for the change of the airport's name in Balikpapan was rejected by the locals. Thousands of Balikpapan residents consider the name that has been proposed by Awang does not reflect majority of the locals' wish.
S.G. WIBISONO