The airport, whose construction began in early 2000, has a role in stimulating economic growth in the central region of Aceh.
Bener Meria, Aceh (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), on Wednesday, inaugurated the Rembele Airport in Bener Meria district, Aceh Province, following its recent expansion.

Following the inauguration, Rembele airport will become the main gateway for the Central Aceh highlands, which are famous for their natural attractions and the Gayo coffee that is exported to Europe.

"The airport, whose construction began in early 2000, has a role in stimulating economic growth in the central region of Aceh," stated Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah.

Zaini noted that the airport will be able to facilitate access to tourists and businesses to the land of Gayo, and so, the opportunity to develop the potential of this area will be more open.

Rembele Airport provides connectivity between the Gayo highlands and other regions.

The development of both air and land infrastructure facilities at Rembele was carried out during the 2014-2015 period.

The governor explained that in terms of providing air connectivity, the runway had been extended from originally 30 x 1,400 meters to 30 x 2,250 meters.

Additionally, the apron has been extended from 80 x 106 meters to 95 x 150 meters.

With regard to ground facilities, the governor explained that the airport terminal had been expanded from initially 400 square meters to one thousand square meters, and the interiors of the terminal had also been revamped.

The expansion of the airport terminal is projected to be able to accommodate 200 thousand passengers per year.

Before the expansion, only the Fokker 50 or CN-235 aircraft were able to land at the Rembele airport.

Following the development of such facilities, the airport will then be able to accommodate Boeing 737-series aircraft.

Rembele Airport is located in the Gampong Bale Atu, Bener Meriah district, at an altitude of some 1.4 thousand meters above sea level.

In addition to inaugurating the Rembele Airport, the president will also review some of the infrastructure projects in North Sumatra, such as the railway and toll road.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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