Airportman.id – The Indonesian Government plans to build a supporting airport in the State Capital Baru in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan.

The Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, during his visit to the location of the new airport, Monday (21/2), explained that research or study had been carried out to determine the location of the new airport which is very strategically located, which is between the IKN area and Balikpapan.

"This location will be connected by toll roads, both from Balikpapan and IKN," said the Minister of Transportation.

"This location is in accordance with the road network planned by KemenPUPR and Bappenas."

The new airport will have a runway with a length of 3000 meters and a width of 45 meters. It is planned to accommodate large-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The Minister of Transportation is optimistic that the airport can operate in 2024.

"Looking at the situation on the ground and the experience of building a YIA Airport of the same size, it can be implemented," he said.

Furthermore, Minister Budi said he would coordinate with the Indonesian Air Force regarding collaboration in using the IKN airport for commercial purposes with military interests.

Previously, the Minister of Transportation also held a coordination meeting with the ranks of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Regional Government, and other related elements at Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport to discuss the readiness of the air transportation sector to support the IKN transfer plan. Also attending the coordination meeting was the Director of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Maria Kristi, Director of Airports at the Ministry of Transportation Nafhan Syahroni, and the ranks of the Airport Authority Region VII Balikpapan.

The Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, who also accompanied the Minister of Transportation, is reviewing the prospective location for the new airport, said that the new airport would not serve the general public but specifically for state officials state guests, and military needs.

"Devoted to officials, state guests, and military needs," said Isran, quoted from the press release of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Tuesday (22/2).