Bogor – On the sidelines of a series of meetings between Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi_red) and Mayors throughout Indonesia at the Bogor Palace, Monday (23/7), Acting Mayor of Malang Drs. Sutiaji attempted to encourage a change in the status of Abdulrachman Saleh Airport to an international airport by conveying it to the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Alhamdulillah, Mr. Jokowi responded, approved and approved (the upgrade of the airport status), because he considered the growth prospects of Malang Raya to be very good and was considered a mainstay for economic progress and development in East Java," said Sutiaji.
According to the badminton enthusiast, the increase in the status of Abdulrachman Saleh Airport is considered reasonable and appropriate due to several factors. Among others, technically the runway is adequate, it already has control devices for night flights, the high number of tourist visits in Malang, the high level of interest of students to study in Malang, including the overseas student program.
In addition, according to him, the rapidly growing business and service activities have become an investment attraction for Malang City and a joint commitment of stakeholders in Malang Raya.
On a previous occasion, the Governor of East Java H. Soekarwo also encouraged and urged the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation to upgrade the status of Abdulrachman Saleh Airport in Malang and Banyuwangi Airport to international airports.
"A land trip of more than two hours has become a separate consideration for foreign tourists to visit tourist destinations. So the Surabaya-Malang trip, which can now take more than three hours, is less productive for the perspective of tourism development and attracting market strategies. tourism" said Pakdhe Karwo, as the Governor of East Java is usually called.
Therefore, his party has proposed to the President and has received the green light. "Likewise, to the KSAU, it's also okay. Including the study from the Director General of Air Transportation, Ministry of Transportation, it's also positive because runway Abdulrachman Saleh Airport is already more than 2.500 meters and already has a system for controlling night flights. It is up to the Minister of Transportation (to approve)," he added.
Pakdhe Karwo's assertion was agreed by the Acting Mayor of Malang Drs. Sutiaji. "Yes, the Governor also emphasized that it is impossible to attract the target of one million foreign tourist visits in East Java in 2025 only by relying on Juanda Airport. Angkasa Pura as part of the Ministry of Transportation was asked by him to help encourage progress, increase the role and status of regional airports.
"Therefore, I am optimistic that this plan will receive support from all stakeholders. Moreover, seeing the data on tourist visits to Malang City which continues to increase from year to year, I am optimistic that the tourism sector will increase as a pillar of the economy. In 2016, tourist visits to Malang City were 3.996.609 tourists, with details of 3.987.074 domestic tourists and 9.535 foreign tourists," he explained.
"In 2017 it rose to 4.914.910 tourists, including 4.902.946 domestic tourists and 11.934 foreign tourists. So with the increase in the status of Abdurahman Saleh airport which now has Instrument Landing System (ILS) so that planes can land at night, then tourist visits will increase for Malang Raya," he explained again.
He added that in 2018, Malang City is targeting 4,2 million domestic tourists and 15.000 foreign tourists.
"After the Apeksi National Working Meeting, following up on goodwill given by the center, I immediately coordinated and communicated intensively with the East Java Provincial Government and the Regent of Malang and the Mayor of Batu, Danlanud and simultaneously with the DPRD. It is necessary to unite commitment and support together, if regional grants are needed," continued the elected mayor for the 2018-2023 period.
He further said, including immigration readiness considering multi effect player from the increased status of the airport, then tourists and investment climate will clearly increase significantly. So far, Malang airport has also been accessed by surrounding areas such as Pasuruan, Blitar, Kediri, Tulungagung and Trenggalek. (say/yon)