Old airstrip to be renovated

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The local administration will renovate an airstrip built during the Japanese colonial time in Pajongae village, East Poleang subdistrict in Buton district, Antara said.

"Renovating the airstrip is important for our effort to boost investments and tourism in Buton," Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said here Wednesday.

He expressed hope the government as well as the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) will help finance the project which needs a big budget.

Once the 2-km airstrip has been renovated, it would be easy for investors to do business in Buton's plantation, industrial, fishery, mines and tourism sectors, he said.

The local administration has also provided a 60,000-hectare hunting area in the district for tourists.