Antara, Jakarta – Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi expressed optimism about the Naratetama VVIP Airport in Nusantara Capital City (IKN) being able to serve narrow-bodied aircraft starting on August 1, 2024.
The airport was built as a supporting infrastructure for the Nusantara Capital City in East Kalimantan.
The minister remarked that the first layer of asphalt is being applied to the runway at Naratetama Airport, which is being constructed by the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry.
"We are optimistic that on August 1, 2024, the airport will be able to accommodate narrow-bodied aircraft," Sumadi remarked on Saturday.
According to the minister, the airport will have a 3,500-meter-long runway, with a target of 2,200 meters to be completed in July 2024 and be ready by December 2024.
During his visit to Naratetama Airport, Sumadi remarked that the airport can also accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, along with the addition of an asphalt layer that will be carried out in the next stage.
He remarked that Naratetama Airport can accommodate large aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-3000ER and Airbus A380 types, with a runway designed to be 3,500 meters long and 45 meters wide.
He noted that the progress in the airport's construction and the provision of other supporting facilities was good and showed significant development.
"When compared to conditions a few weeks ago, we can really see the development, especially the runway and terminal building," Sumadi remarked.
The construction of the terminal building is entering the stages of roofing, electrical, plumbing, and column work, as well as the installation of plumbing pipes, steel frames, and walls, including other supporting facilities.
The minister revealed that the terminal building at Naratetama Airport will also spotlight Kalimantan's culture.
Apart from Naratetama Airport, the PUPR Ministry is also in the process of completing the construction of a ceremonial field at IKN for the ceremony of the Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 2024.
Until June 14, the development in construction had reached 70 percent. The PUPR Ministry is targeting the construction of the ceremonial field to be completed by July 2024.