JAKARTA — The Papua Provincial Government is encouraging the development of Sentani Airport so that it not only focuses on improving flight services, but also provides a direct impact on the regional economy and surrounding communities. This was discussed by Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri in a meeting with the management of Angkasa Pura Indonesia Company in Jakarta on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

Governor Fakhiri said that the development of Sentani Airport must be able to generate added value for the Locally Generated Revenue of both Papua Province and Jayapura Regency. Therefore, the regional government has been actively presenting a development concept that is aligned with regional interests.

"We hope that the development of this airport will not only improve passenger services, but also make a real contribution to locally generated revenue as well as regional economic growth," the Governor said.

The meeting also discussed efforts to synchronize the Sentani Airport development plan prepared by the Ministry of Transportation and Angkasa Pura Indonesia Company with the design proposed by the Papua Provincial Government. The Governor stressed that collaboration between the two concepts is important so that airport development can proceed optimally and be oriented toward long-term benefits.

The Papua Provincial Government, Fakhiri said, respects the master plan that has been prepared by the central government. However, the regional government also emphasized the need for room for integration so that airport development remains in line with local needs and Papua's economic potential.

Director of Strategy and Technology Development of Angkasa Pura Indonesia Company, Ferry Kusnowo, expressed appreciation for the Papua Provincial Government's initiative in actively submitting a development plan for Sentani Airport. He said the input would be discussed further with the Ministry of Transportation.

Previously, Governor Fakhiri had also held dialogue with customary land rights owners affected by the airport development plan. In that meeting, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the development of Sentani Airport would provide direct benefits to local communities.

One of the schemes being prepared is the provision of business space for residents, both inside the terminal and in the surrounding airport area. This step is expected to stimulate community economic activity while also strengthening the airport's contribution to Papua's regional economy. ***