papuachronicle. co – Nabire. Vice Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk reviews Sriwijaya Air’s first flight to Douw Aturure Airport, Nabire, Central Papua. During the flight, Ribka was accompanied by the Head of the Central Papua Province Transportation Agency, Washington Lumban Gaol, Sriwijaya Air President Director Jefferson Irwin Jauwena, and a number of related officials. The plane successfully landed at Douw Aturure Airport, Nabire on Friday (12/6/2024) morning.
Ribka boarded the Boeing 737-500 from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar. Before arriving in Nabire, the plane first transited at Domine Eduard Osok Airport, Sorong, Southwest Papua to transport other passengers who were heading to Douw Aturure Airport, Nabire.
In her remarks, Ribka said that the Central Papua Provincial Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sriwijaya Air in Jakarta on Tuesday (12/3/2024) which aims to expand access to air transportation in the Central Papua region, especially in Nabire Regency.
“As a follow-up to the MoU, Sriwijaya Air will start serving regular flights at Nabire Airport, although the condition of the runway is still in the process of being extended which is planned to be completed by the end of 2024,” she explained at Douw Aturure Nabire Airport.
With limited runway conditions, Sriwijaya Air operations will be adjusted, including limiting the number of passengers and goods to ensure flight safety. The airline is planned to serve strategic routes such as Sorong-Nabire, Nabire-Jayapura, and Nabire-Jakarta via Makassar.
“It is hoped that the presence of Sriwijaya Air can have a positive impact on various sectors, including tourism, economy, and services, which will encourage growth and community welfare in the Central Papua region,” she explained.
Furthermore, he explained, this step brings great hope to the people of Central Papua Province. So far, transportation in Nabire has only been served by one airline so that flight options are very limited and have an impact on high ticket prices. In addition to providing easy transportation, the presence of Sriwijaya Air is also expected to help distribute food commodities so that it can reduce inflation in the local area.