New airports to be built in E. Java

SURABAYA, East Java: East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman said yesterday he would prioritize the development of three airports in Banyuwangi, Pacitan, and Sumenep in Madura during 1997/1998 fiscal year.

"Banyuwangi could be a most promising regency in East Java for tourism and industry if we provided better transportation to reach the regency," he was quoted by Antara as saying. The reasons for the other two airports were not disclosed.

Banyuwangi is 289 kilometers from Surabaya.

He hoped the presence of a new airport would boost tourism from Bali, which has regular ferry services from Gilimanuk linking it to the East Javanese town of Ketapang, Banyuwangi. (prb)