TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The Transportation Ministry immediately evaluated the security of Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado following an incident involving hundreds people from across North Sulawesi who blocked the airport on Saturday, May 13, 2017. They rejected House of Representatives deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah’s visit to Manado.
“The Transportation Ministry has issued an instruction to secure Sam Ratulangi Airport. Security officers must take firm actions,” Transportation Ministry spokesperson J. A. Barata said in a press release received by Tempo on Sunday, May 14, 2017.
The rejection of Fahri, who is a lawmaker from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), had gone viral on social media a few days before his visit. Protesters viewed that Fahri Hamzah should never set his foot in Manado for his plan to disband the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Barata explained that under Law No. 9/1998 on freedom of expression, airports, harbors, train stations, terminals, and national vital objects are restricted for a protest venue.
“The Transportation Minister has expressed his concerns. All elements of Sam Ratulangi Airport should have anticipated the incident if they realized the situation that occurred in Kalimantan several days ago,” Barata added.
Barata pointed out that airports are restricted for people with no proper clearances. Barata revealed that the Transportation Ministry will hold a coordinating meeting to discuss the next steps to be taken with related authorities.
Barata added that the Transportation Ministry will continue to monitor the development. Barat also calls on law enforcers to maintain security and order in airports.
GHOIDA RAHMAH
