TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday inaugurated Ranai Airport Terminal in Natuna District, Riau Islands. Jokowi is hopeful that the airport can connect Natuna with other regions.
Ranai Airport rests on an area of 3,865 square meters with a total capacity of 385 people. Before the development, the total area of the airport was only 243 square meters.
“As we all know that the country has over 17,000 islands. It is high time for us to pay more attention to the sea, it is high time for us to pay more attention to the sky to connect [regions], to unite Indonesia, not to devide [it],” said the former Jakarta governor.
In his speech, Jokowi also said that the government is currently building an integrated marine and fishery center (SKT) in Lampa Strait, Natuna District. The SKT is expected to benefit Natuna residents.
The total area of Lampa fishery center is over 100 hectares. Jokowi aims to complete the construction by the end of the year. “But it will take more time because a cold storage will also be built,” he said.
Also present in the inauguration was Marine Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, who confirmed that SKT construction in Natuna may complete by the end of 2017.
EGI ADYATAMA
