Douw Aturure Airport in Nabire Prepared to Become Air Hub for Central Papua Region

The Central Papua provincial government continues to push for accelerated connectivity in the region. One strategic step now becoming evident is the effort to make Nabire Regency the centre of air connectivity (air hub) in the area. This hope is strengthening with the operation of new flight routes connecting Nabire to various major cities in Indonesia. Acting Regional Secretary of Central Papua, Silwanus Sumule, stated that the operation of the new airline Batik Air in Nabire is an important momentum for the community. According to him, the presence of faster, more comfortable, and affordable flight services has long been awaited by residents. With Batik Air in Nabire’s flight network, access to national economic growth centres becomes much easier. The Central Papua provincial government targets the Douw Aturure Nabire Airport to develop into a flight connection hub in central Papua. Nabire’s strategic geographic position is seen as offering great opportunities for the airport to connect various areas, including remote regions that have previously relied on air routes. Currently, flights from Nabire open routes to Jakarta and Makassar via Ambon. This route is considered able to significantly cut travel time and reduce logistics costs. “Connectivity is the key. With this access opening, the movement of people and goods will be smoother, thus increasing economic growth,” said Silwanus. The opening of new routes is seen as a strategic step in driving the Central Papua economy. In addition to lowering logistics costs, increased mobility is considered able to support various sectors, from education and trade to investment. Silwanus also expressed appreciation to the Lion Group management for opening flight services in Nabire. The regional government is committed to creating a conducive climate for transportation and investment so that air connectivity can develop further. Although now served by larger-bodied aircraft, pioneer flights using ATR aircraft will still be maintained to serve remote areas. “We want to ensure connectivity from the interior can connect with flights out of Nabire, so the benefits are felt by the entire community,” he explained. Silwanus invited the community to take advantage of this momentum for improving education, business development, and economic welfare.