Government rushes to complete new airport construction before Nusantara takes off – regulations

The government is rushing to complete a new airport for the capital Nusantara (IKN) ahead of the city’s inauguration, but experts warn the breakneck pace could threaten safety and quality.

According to Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, the Nusantara airport, initially intended to serve only important visitors to the state, is expected to be completed by August 1, with trials taking place in July – just in time for the inauguration, which will coincide with Independence Day celebrated in July. August 17.

However, operational certification is still pending.

“It is indeed urgent work,” said Djoko Setijowarno, vice-president of the Indonesian Transport Association (MTI). Jakarta Post Office on Friday. “(But) quality control should not be violated even if the construction process is racing against time and heavy rainfall occurs.”

He explained that technical constraints, especially regarding the runway surface, require time for proper settlement. Rushing through these stages can lead to future problems and costly repairs, as is the case with highway projects that deteriorate soon after inauguration.

“If (airport construction) cannot be expedited, I suggest you just say so. The President’s activity (in IKN) is not frequent enough that we have to force it and risk later problems,” said Djoko, who visited the airport area several times.

Nusantara Airport, whose construction began in November last year, is located on a 347-hectare plot of land and has a terminal area of 7,350 square meters.

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