Agats flights halted for renovation

JAYAPURA, Papua: Flights to the capital of Asmat regency, Agats, located some 700 kilometers southwest of Jayapura, are to be halted temporarily while Ewer Airport is being renovated.

The runway renovations are to be finished in early January, said Asmat regent Watken on Wednesday.

Watken said that, for the time being, those who wished to visit the regency could take commercial speedboats from the nearest major town of Timika, as most people were now doing.

Ewer Airport is used by small airplanes, including twin-otter planes with a nine-passenger capacity.

The airport also served weekly commercial flights from Merauke, some 600 kilometers Southeast of Agats, with one-way tickets costing Rp 150,600 (US$17.7) each.

Asmat regency is renowned for its unique Papuan carvings. -- Antara