Prabowo Backs Wamena Airport Runway Expansion

Wamena, Papua Pegunungan (ANTARA) – Highland Papua Governor John Tabo said President Prabowo Subianto has pledged support for a 400-metre runway extension at Wamena Airport to improve air transport access to the province’s remote region.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Tabo said the central government’s commitment to the province includes expanding Wamena Airport’s runway following his meeting with the president.

The extension is part of a broader package of assistance, which also includes 2,200 housing units and support for accelerated efforts to develop agriculture and inland fisheries, he said.

Currently, Wamena Airport has a 2,435-metre runway. The planned extension, he said, would allow larger aircraft to operate in the region.

The runway extension that enables larger aircraft to land and take off would become a vital entry point to Highland Papua, he added.

The expansion is expected to reduce transport costs and help ease inflation, which stood at 4.15 percent year-on-year in July across Highland Papua’s eight districts, including Jayawijaya, Lanny Jaya, and Yahukimo.

“Improved air connectivity is crucial, especially since Wamena serves as the administrative and economic hub for the region,” he said.

To this end, Tabo has asked the Jayawijaya district government to support the construction project by relocating residents affected by the expansion.

“We ask the district head and his deputy to help facilitate the relocation process to make the construction proceed without conflict,” he said.

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Translator: Yudhi E, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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