Jakarta. Over the past decade, under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's leadership, Indonesia has successfully constructed 28 new airports, including the newly inaugurated Dhoho Kediri International Airport, which was completed without relying on the State Budget (APBN).

According to data from the Transportation Ministry, from 2014 to 2024, 28 new airports were built across Indonesia. Notable milestones include Buntu Kunik Airport in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, completed in 2020; Ngloram Airport in Cepu, Central Java, built in 2021; and Nabire Baru Airport in Central Papua, inaugurated in 2022.

On Friday, Chief Investment Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and Transportation Minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, officially opened Dhoho Kediri International Airport in Kediri, East Java.

Luhut explained that the airport is the first in Indonesia to use a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) unsolicited scheme, with funding and initiative entirely from the private sector, avoiding the use of the state budget. "Dhoho Kediri Airport is a pilot project for PPP unsolicited schemes. The initiative and funding come from private entities, supported by the government," Luhut said during the ceremony on Friday.

Built by Gudang Garam through its subsidiary, Surya Dhoho Investama, the project represents a Rp 12 trillion ($775 million) investment. Covering over 300 hectares, Dhoho Airport can serve 1.5 million passengers annually and will strengthen connectivity in East Java, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Dhoho Kediri International Airport boasts a 3,300-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. Since its soft launch on April 5, the airport has already served more than 20,000 passengers with 175 aircraft movements.

As Jokowi’s second term nears its end, the government is expediting several airport projects, including those in Siboru Fak Fak, West Papua; Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra; Banggai Laut, Central Sulawesi; Sobaham Yahukimo, Papua; Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi; Pohuwato, Gorontalo; Singkawang, West Kalimantan; and Nusantara Airport in Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara.

President Jokowi’s presidential plane, the RJ-85, made its first landing at the Nusantara Airport in East Kalimantan on September 24. He announced plans to convert the VVIP airport into a commercial airport.

Nusantara Airport, set to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024, will feature a 3,000-meter runway and a 7,350-square-meter terminal, capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380.

The airport expansion has significantly benefited smaller cities and villages across Indonesia. Telisa Aulia Falianty, an economist from the University of Indonesia, highlighted the impact of Jokowi’s air transport infrastructure on local economies, estimating a 5-10 percent annual growth in areas with improved air connectivity.

In remote regions like Nabire, the new airport has improved access to basic necessities, boosting the local economy. "We’ve seen positive growth in Papua's economy following the launch of Nabire Airport. This is just one example of how air transport infrastructure brings widespread economic benefits," Telisa said.