Labuan Bajo's Komodo Airport Requires Rp1.2 Trillion Investment

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Ministry and the private sector are developing Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo through the government-to-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme. The airport development requires an investment of Rp1.2 trillion.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the capital will be used to finance the construction of airport facilities and operations as it is prepared as one of the gateways for foreign tourists entering Indonesia.

"Komodo Airport will be the gateway of Labuan Bajo which is one of the five super priority tourist destinations or 5 New Bali," Budi Karya said in a written statement on Monday, January 20.

Through the cooperation scheme, the business entity will maintain the entire airport infrastructure for 25 years and then handed it to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Transportation Ministry.

The Transportation Ministry had previously announced the auction winners, namely PT Cardig Aero Service (CAS) consisting of Changi Airports International Pte Ltd. (CAI) and Changi Airports MENA Pte Ltd at the end of 2019. The deal signing will be held on February 7.

Komodo Airport is expected to accommodate up to 4 million passengers per year. While the cargo capacity will reach 3,500 tons by 2044. The runway will also be extended from 2,250 meters to 2,750 meters, while the apron area is expanded to 20,200 square meters and the domestic terminal is expanded to 6,500 square meters.

"As well as the construction of an international terminal covering an area of 5,538 square meters, 2,860-square-meter cargo terminal, and several other supporting facilities," Budi Karya added.

At present, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi is visiting Labuan Bajo to check tourism facilities and infrastructure. The President even had a maritime tour, boarding Phinisi cruise to inspect the operator's readiness in welcoming tourists.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA