Jakarta (ANTARA) - The VVIP airport in Indonesia's new national capital Nusantara is targeted to become operational on August 1, 2024.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi delivered the statement on the sidelines of a visit to review the airport's construction in North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, on Monday.
According to him, good progress has been made in the construction of the runway and terminal building as well as several other facilities, and it is in keeping with the plan.
"For the runway and terminal building, the progress is significant and clearly visible compared to when I visited it earlier at the end of April," he informed in a statement.
The minister also praised and thanked all parties, especially the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and workers, for their hard work so far.
He also expressed the hope that this synergy would help forge a joint commitment to complete the airport by August 1, 2024.
"Insya Allah (God willing), we will test it in July and it will be ready to be operated for the Independence Day commemoration on August 17," he said.
The Indonesian government is planning to hold its first Independence Day anniversary commemoration ceremony in Nusantara on August 17. A field with a capacity to accommodate eight thousand people has been prepared for the ceremony.
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As of the 25th week, the physical construction of the VVIP airport has covered steelwork, plumbing pipes, roofs, walls, and electrical installation at the VVIP Terminal and column work, plumbing pipe installation, and steel frame at the VIP Terminal.
The groundbreaking for the construction of the VVIP airport was carried out by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on November 1, 2023.