Minister Suharso Attends Meeting to Discuss Airport Status Change at IKN
Minister of PPN/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa attended a meeting to discuss the change of status of VVIP Airport in IKN to International General Airport, Thursday (03/10/2024).
The meeting was attended by a number of relevant officials and parties who will be involved in the development of the IKN area.
According to him, the plan to change the status of the airport is in line with the development strategy of the IKN Economic Hub Area which implements the Tri-City concept, including IKN, Balikpapan, and Samarinda.
“This concept aims to encourage the development of industrial areas, MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition), and tourism around the IKN area,” said the Minister.
In addition to the above, the Minister also emphasised the importance of considering the infrastructure that has been built, including Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan and APT Pranoto Airport in Samarinda.
“Other infrastructure plans, such as the IKN Immersed Tunnel that has been accommodated in the Blue Book 2020-2024, are also an important part of this discussion,” the Minister explained.
“Although the IKN master plan contained in the Presidential Regulation does not include the construction of a new International General Airport, but rather includes the Air Force and TNI-AU Military Base facilities, there is a need for synchronisation and review of the policy,” he continued.
According to him, this is important to ensure alignment with the previous legal basis and maintain the relevance of the IKN development plan in the future.
Minister Suharso hopes that this discussion can produce strategic and sustainable decisions to support the growth of IKN as a new economic centre. With the change in airport status, it is expected to increase accessibility and investment attractiveness, as well as have a positive impact on the surrounding community.
Closing his presentation, the Minister emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector and the community in realising the vision of IKN as a modern and sustainable city.
Source: Bappenas
