Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi (left) and Tourism and Creative Economic Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio (ANTARA)

Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi affirmed the government’s decision to accelerate the development of Komodo airport in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, to get international status, from next year to June 2020.

"We have agreed that the airport will be developed into an international one, initially set to be carried out in 2021, but it will be moved earlier to June this year," the minister stated following the signing of an agreement on cooperation between the government and Business Entities (KPBU) to develop Komodo Airport in Jakarta on Friday.

The Komodo Airport is officially managed by private company PT Cinta Airport Flores (CAF) under a KPBU scheme.

Sumadi highlighted the need for acceleration since the airport was officially operated by PT CAF, a national and private company consortium comprising PT Cardig Aero Services Tbk (CASS) and Singaporean private company CAI (Changi).

"It (the international airport) should have been ready early next year, but we will speed it up to May 2020," he stated.

He expressed optimism that investors would soon develop the airport and the Tourism Ministry would facilitate the promotion of Labuan Bajo.

"I hope the investors would be serious and I seek the tourism minister’s support to undertake certain efforts, both for the promotion and decoration by using the native color of Labuan Bajo," he stated.

Upgrading the status of Komodo Airport is expected to help boost the tourism industry in East Nusa Tenggara, in general, and in Labuan Bajo, designated as a priority tourist destination, in particular.

The development projects of Komodo airport encompass the expansion of the runway from 2,250 meters x 45 meters to 2,700 meters x 45 meters; development of cargo terminals; development and expansion of domestic and international passenger terminals; and development of commercial areas, parking, and other supporting facilities. (ANTARA)