MIANGGAS AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION TO START IN 2010

Manado, July 24 (ANTARA) - The construction of an airport in Indonesia's northernmost island of Mianggas in North Sulawesi will be started in 2010, Governor Sinyo Sarundajang said here on Friday.

"Following the construction of the airport on Mianggas island, it is expected to be an important breakthrough in the effort to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), especially for the outlying islands in North Sulawesi," Governor Sarundadjang said.

The governor said the North Sulawesi province and Talaud district administrations at present are making preparations including land clearance for the airport.

He also called on the local people of Mianggas to play an active role in the land clearance process for the airport which is expected to facilitate the quick delivery of logistic commodities from the provincial city of Manado and elsewhere.

So far, logistics or basic necessities are transported in every two months by pioneer ship to Mianggas island which is of little economic value.

Mianggas, used to be known as Island of Palmas, is two miles in length and 3.25 miles in width.

The island is located between Mindanao, Philippines and the northern most island, known as Nanusa, of what was the Netherlands East Indies.