Kotabaru Waits Assembly's Approval

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - Plans to extend the Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport at Stagen, Kotabaru, still waiting for the approval of the local assembly.

Head of Kotabaru Transportation Agency Sugian Noor here on Sunday said the runway will be extended from 1,650 meters to 2,650 meters in order to serve large aircraft.

"Based on planning drawn up by consultant, the necessary funds is around Rp1 trillion, for a runway extension, community land compensation, and other expenses," he said.

If the plan is realized, Gusti Syamsir Alam Airport can serve large aircraft  and will open flight routes to major cities in Indonesia.

Every day an average of 60 passengers flying from the Stagen airport. They served by Susi Air planes with a capacity of 12 seats, Kalstar 50 seats, and Wing Air about 72 seats.

Sugian said, the plan can not be implemented , because it has not received approval from Kotabary legislative assembly. If approved, he said, he will fight hard to get the airport development funds from the central government.

Previously, Regent Kotabaru H Irhami Ridjani said, the government will undertake residents' land acquisition. Furthermore , the relocation of the road which is now at the end of the airport to be diverted to the south.

"Kotabaru will fight hard for the development of the airport since it was built in 1970 until now there has been no progress," said Irhami.