Border island to get airstrip

Border island to get airstrip

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono approved on Tuesday the construction of an airstrip on
Miangas Island, which is part of North Sulawesi province, and
borders the Philippines.

Susilo said the central government would provide funds for the
project, which was proposed by the Wirabuana Military Command
overseeing Sulawesi and the North Sulawesi administration.

The President said the airstrip was needed to help prevent
people on the remote island from being isolated.

"According to the Wirabuana Military commander, it's difficult
to access the island due to transportation problems. In certain
months, transportation is absent. What if an outbreak of disease
or a food shortage hit the island?" Susilo explained to local
officials and figures during a dialog at the Southeast Sulawesi
government office.

The President emphasized that border islands needed adequate
attention, otherwise the country would lose them. Indonesia lost
Sipadan and Ligitan islands in 2002 to Malaysia. -- Antara