Nabire, Papua – The progress of one of President Joko Widodo’s National Strategic Projects (NSP) has progressed smoothly. The new Douw Aturure Airport with a runway of 1,600 metres x 30 metres and can accommodate ATR-72 aircraft, will greatly improve the connectivity in Central Papua and facilitate logistics distribution and public mobility. The airport is located in Wanggar District, Nabire Regency, Central Papua. The new Douw Aturure airport involves the relocation of the existing Nabire airport, because the old Nabire airport can no longer be developed. The new Douw Aturere airport is expected to be completed in October 2023.
“The construction of the new Nabire airport has been completed both from the air and land sides,” said Setyani Mahendra, Head of the Nabire Class II Airport Operator Unit. The construction of a 5.6 KM road connecting the national road to the airport is also underway. Airside construction that has been completed includes an aircraft parking apron runway. While the land side includes the passenger terminal, cargo warehouse, aviation accident and fire department building, generator building, administration/office building and vehicle parking. Setyani also said that facilities and infrastructure such as clean water, electricity and telecommunication networks are in the process of installation.
To support the smooth operation of the airport, Parmonangan Andreas Sitorus, Manager of the Nabire Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) of the State Electricity Company (PLN), said that they are ready to improve the transmission and distribution of electricity by supplying the Kalibobo system through a substation and by constructing a medium voltage network along 19.7 circuit kilometres (kms).
“We hope that all processes will go smoothly and that the reliability of electricity can endure, not just during the inauguration,” Parmonangan concluded.
Director General of Air Transportation, M. Kristi Endah Murni said there are 19 priority projects for the construction of new airports that are targeted to be inaugurated before 2024, 5 of which are in the Land of Papua, which are:
- Nabire Airport, Nabire Regency, Central Papua
- Siboru Airport, Fakfak Regency, West Papua
- Timika Airport Terminal, Central Papua
- Mulia Airport Terminal, Central Papua
- Ewer Airport Terminal, Asmat Regency, South Papua, has been inaugurated by the President during a visit to the Regency.
Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi said that the construction of the new Douw Aturure airport in Nabire should be inaugurated soon to support connectivity between regions in the Central Papua region through air transport.
Previously, Acting Governor of Central Papua, Ribka Haluk stated that the airport is a priority program which must be completed this year. “This airport is important for connectivity in Central Papua and improving logistics distribution as well as the mobility of people,” she said.
Source: Papua Times
West Papua Now 