Kupang (ANTARA) - The West Manggarai district government, East Nusa Tenggara, granted a six-thousand-square-meter land to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) to build an airbase after Komodo Airport on Flores Island’s western tip received international status.
The TNI AU has coordinated with West Manggarai District Head Agustinus Ch Dulla to discuss a plan to construct TNI AU's military facility in the district, Commander of El Tari Airbase in Kupang Colonel Agus Setiawan stated on Friday.
Komodo Airport in West Manggarai will be upgraded to an international airport as of 2021 under the management of Singapore's Cangi Airport for 25 years.
"The land that the West Manggarai District Administration grants (to TNI AU) is not far from Komodo Airport," he remarked.
He highlighted the importance of the TNI AU's facility in Labuan Bajo to ensure the security of domestic and foreign airline companies' air transportation activities in the area developed into a world-class tourist resort.
"We need to be present in Labuan Bajo. Moreover, Komodo Airport will be managed by a foreign investor, Singapore's Cangi. Hence, in case any unforeseen event took place, such as a pilot strike and natural disaster, which led to cessation of air transportation service, then the TNI AU can handle it," he explained.
