April 20, 2026 | 04:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka departed for Central Papua Province, Papua, on Monday, April 20, to inspect the development of Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire Regency.
According to the Vice President’s Secretariat, the visit aims to ensure the readiness of air transportation infrastructure to support public mobility and drive regional economic growth.
During the inspection, Gibran stressed the urgency of accelerating the airport’s development so it can keep pace with rising demand for air travel in Central Papua.
The former member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle also called for stronger coordination between central and regional governments to ensure optimal progress.
The airport expansion is expected to improve interregional connectivity, streamline logistics distribution, and unlock economic and investment opportunities for local communities.
The visit forms part of the implementation of directives from President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate strategic infrastructure development, particularly air connectivity in eastern Indonesia, as part of broader efforts to promote equitable development and improve access to remote areas.
Upon arrival, Gibran was welcomed by Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, along with officials from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and other stakeholders.
He then proceeded to the airport terrace to receive a briefing from Samuel Ricky Rantelimbong, head of aircraft operations at the provincial transportation office.
Rantelimbong explained that the airport is managed by the Class II Airport Operator Unit (UPBU) Nabire and is equipped with both airside and landside facilities. Airside infrastructure includes runways, aprons, taxiways, and runway safety strips, while landside facilities comprise passenger and cargo terminals, a power center, and other supporting buildings.
He noted that demand for air transportation has surged as Nabire develops into the provincial capital, requiring the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.
Central Papua has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to support the airport’s development and has contributed to its construction, he added.
The project has been carried out in phases. The provincial government has extended the runway from 1,600 meters to 2,500 meters, enabling the airport to handle Boeing aircraft, although some facilities still meet standards for smaller ATR aircraft.
Further upgrades are needed, including runway widening, apron expansion, terminal development, the construction of jet bridges, and improvements to supporting infrastructure. Rantelimbong also highlighted the need to upgrade the airport’s fire and rescue category to meet Boeing aircraft standards.
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