Wamena Airport in Papua is expected to return to its normal operation next week, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said here on Sunday.
"Within less than a week, it (Wamena Airport) will return to normal. I think it's safe now. I have received information from the (Papua) Police Chief and the Military Chief that the situation is conducive and (the airport) can return to normalcy," Sumadi said after a meeting with regional heads of West Papua to discuss connectivity in the easternmost region of the country.
The minister would continue discussion with Papua's regional leaders on late Sunday.
Wamena Airport was temporarily shut down following the bloody riots in Wamena on September 23, to prevent the facility from any disturbance that might harmful to flight operation.
On average, 120 flights go through the airport, located in the popular Baliem Valley, every day.
Sumadi said, the ministry has conducted evaluation on the condition of the airport.
According to the minister, some regular flights have resumed operation. "Some have resumed operation but it is yet effective."
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Editor : Mahdani
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