Southeast Asia's largest economy to open commercial airport in new capital

"I have instructed the Minister of Transportation to convert this airport into a commercial one for public use," Widodo said during his visit to Nusantara, located in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo as quoted by Jakarta Post.

The airport was initially meant for so-called very, very important persons, or VVIPs, which refer to those with large spending power, high political rank or socio-economic status.

Currently under construction, the airport is expected to accommodate 200,000 passengers once operational.

In the future, the airport is projected to handle up to seven million passengers annually, offering easier access for religious pilgrims.

Originally scheduled to open in August, the airport's completion was delayed.

Built at a cost of 4.3 trillion rupiah (US$283 million), it will feature a 3,000-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway, capable of supporting wide-body aircraft for international flights.

While the terminal and main access roads are nearing completion, construction on other supporting facilities is still ongoing, according to The Straits Times.

The airport's conversion is also expected to boost tourism to Nusantara. Now visitors have to travel to the city of Balikpapan, a two-hour drive from Nusantara, to board their commercial flights.

Construction of Nusantara, which spans 2,600 square kilometers within a dense jungle, began in mid-2022. Indonesian officials envisioned the city as a green urban center, integrating renewable energy sources and smart waste management systems.

The new city is poised to replace the current capital Jakarta which already struggled with pollution and traffic gridlock.