Minister Supports Sultan Taha Airport Development

Jambi, Dec 6 (Antara) - Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan has expressed his support for the Jambi provincial administration initiative to develop Sultan Taha airport into an international standard one. "I positively welcome and support the initiative of Jambi provincial administration to develop Sultan Taha airport," stated the transportation minister, here on Monday. He added that the central government continues to support the development of several airports in the country, including the one in Jambi province, to ensure regional economic development. According to him, since the development of Sultan Taha airport has been included in the Transportation Ministry`s program, work on some facility and infrastructure is already underway. "The expansion of Sultan Taha`s apron, taxi way and runway is underway," he noted, adding that the runway would be extended to 2,600 meters. Mangindaan then called on the Jambi provincial administration to coordinate with airport management company PT Angkasa Pura to implement the development of Sultan Taha airport as soon as possible. "PT Angkasa Pura has agreed to develop the airport, which we will support," Mangindaan noted. The minister explained that the Ministry of Transportation has also planned to develop Ujung Jabung sea port at Tanjung Jabung Timur district as the main port in the Jambi province. "Jambi has yet to have a main seaport and therefore we support the Ujung Jabung port development in making a main harbor in the province," he added. Mangindaan pointed out that the Ujung Jabung port is expected to be connected to the Dumai port in Riau province and Tanjung Api-Api port in South Sumatra, thus making the three ports a sea corridor in Sumatra. Besides, he also expressed hope that the development of the railway line in Jambi can also be carried out immediately. "I heard that Jambi also plans to build a railway line, and I hope the provincial administration will soon make a feasibility study to start the development work immediately," the minister added.