medcom.id, Jakarta: During his visit to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), President Joko Widodo launched construction of new terminal in Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, Sunday (12/27/2015).
The project is funded by state budget as commitment from central government to accelerate economic development in East Nusa Tenggara, especially in Flores region.
The new terminal will increase the capacity of Komodo Airport from 150,000 passengers per year to 1.5 million per year. It is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting Flores island.
According to the President, tourism could be the engine for local economic growth amid economic slowdown.
"The airport may become the entrance of all tourists to enjoy the beach and underwater bauty of Labuan Bajo, the beauty of the Kelimutu Lake, visiting Komodo National Park in Komodo Island, pink beach," mentioned president Jokowi as quoted by the Presidential Communication Team Sunardi Rinakit in his statement.
President asked the construction of new terminal is followed by more tourism promotions, especially from Ministry of Tourism. Moreover, tourism infrastructures also must be strengthened including transportation, roadways, ports, hotels, restaurants and other supporting sectors.
"The local government needs to cooperate with various airlines to gather more tourists to the airport. Also maximize various media channel well," mentioned Jokowi.
The President was welcomed by the East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Lebu Raya when he arrived in Komodo Airport. President accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan.
Since 1975, Komodo Airport had been established initially. It has a 2,250-meter long runway with 45 meters in width. Previously, it can only be landed by ATR 72-600 class propeller plane, but now, it can be landed by medium jet plane like A-320, B 737-800 and B 737-900.
Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan mentioned that the facility development had started in 2012 and completed in the 2015 budget year with a total cost of Rp191.7 billion for the development of 9,687 meter square. "It means, Rp19 million per meter square," Jonan stated.
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