THREE WEST JAVA AIRPORTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION OPENING ACCESS TO FANTASTIC ATTRACTIONS

In direct response to priority plans of the Ministry of Transportation, the Province of West Java – directly adjacent toJakarta - supports the development of three airports to facilitate tourists to travel to its numerous fascinating destinations across this vast province. Two new airports currently already under construction are the West Java International Ariport at Kertajati in the Majalengka Regency near Bandung and the Citarete Airport in Sukabumi , while expansion and improvements are being made to the Nusawiru Airport in Pangandaran Regency.

“Tourism has the brightest prospects for the future, and this is the reason why this priority must be supported. To increase air connectivity, West Java has, therefore, prepared the Citarete Airport, the Nusawiru Airport, and the Kertajati Airport,” said the Vice Governor of West Java, Deddy Mizwar.

The Vice Governor further explained that Nusawiru Airport is currently in the process of runway expansion to reach 2,200 meters. Upon completion, the airport will be able to be landed by Airbus planes. From the airport, it is only about 6 Km to reach the beguiling natural beauty of the Green Canyon. It is 12Km from the surfing paradise at Batu Karas Beach, and 30Km from Pangandaran’s beautiful Pananjung Beach. Therefore, the operation of the Nusawiru Airport will definitely open up the captivating beauty of Pangandaran to the world.

Another Air access will also be opened to connect to the Ciletuh Geopark with the Citarete Airport in the Sukabumi Regency. “The construction of Citarete Airport will also support our efforts in registering the Ciletuh Geopark to be included in the world’s Geoparks Network , known as the UNESCO Global Geopark’s (UGG)” added Deddy Mizwar. Currently Ciletuh National Geopark is the only one representing Indonesia in the running for inclusion in UGG. “The opening of the Citarete Airport will become the main gateway to the Ciletuh Geopark,” added the Vice Governor.

Whereas, currently still under construction, the West Java International Airport is projected to cover the largest area in Indonesia and becomethe second biggest airport in the country after the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport of Jakarta, located in Tangerang, Banten Province.

Developed to replace the already overcrowded Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, which has surpassed its capacity, the airport encompasses an area of 1,800 hectares plus 3,200 hectares to be developed as an aero city. The terminal area covers 92,000 square meters and can accommodate 5-6 million passengers. Upon completion by the end of 2017 or early 2018, the airport will have a longer runway than the Soekarno-Hata Airport measuring 3,660 meters.

Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya expressed his appreciation for the support of the West Java Province. The Minister is convinced that air connectivity will increase air capacity to bring in more tourists to the destinations. “Vice Governor Deddy Mizwar truly understands tourism and what is needed to develop tourist destinations. Along with additional amenities, Air Connectivity is among vital factors in tourism development,” said Minister Arief Yahya.