President Joko Widodo inaugurated Singkawang Airport, enhancing West Kalimantan’s connectivity and economic potential, funded by public-private efforts.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially inaugurated Singkawang Airport in West Kalimantan on Wednesday, marking a significant leap forward in enhancing the region’s accessibility and fostering economic expansion. During the ceremony, broadcasted via the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel, Jokowi emphasized the airport’s role as a catalyst for new economic zones in and around Singkawang.
The development of Singkawang Airport, which spans from 2019 to 2023 and begins operations in April 2024, is a collaborative effort funded by the state budget alongside public-private partnerships (PPP) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from local businesses. This innovative funding model has pooled a substantial Rp155 billion from local entrepreneurs, with an additional Rp272 billion sourced from the state, showcasing a united community effort in regional development.
President Jokowi praised the cooperative financing model as a blueprint for future infrastructure projects across Indonesia, including airports and seaports. “This demonstrates the commitment of the city, district, and provincial residents towards their area’s development,” he said.
With the upgraded facilities, including a runway now capable of accommodating narrow-bodied aircraft like the Airbus A320, Singkawang Airport is poised to significantly improve the mobility of residents and logistics, connecting the city more closely with the rest of Indonesia and beyond. The president has urged Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi to ensure a variety of airlines are ready to operate, hinting at the potential for new routes to further stimulate the local economy.
Accompanied by several ministers during the opening, President Jokowi’s initiative underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing Indonesia’s infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the welfare of its citizens through improved connectivity.
As Singkawang Airport gears up for its first flights, the anticipation for the positive impacts it will bring to the region grows, highlighting the synergy between government support and local enterprise in paving the way for Indonesia’s bright future.
George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.
