According to Ginta
Wiryasenjaya, a businessman and an initiator of Lampung Transport Connection
considers it less probable for the local government plan to have Radin Inten II
Airport upgraded to be an international airport and pilgrimage embarkation for
the simple reason that the present area of Radin Inten Airport to be upgraded
is too risky for the nearby residents as the main Sumatera road passes close to
the airport in addition to the area not being large enough for an international
airport. In terms of economic value this will not add to the local government
revenue either. He suggested the area for the international airport be built
elsewhere. He said that Way Kanan Regency (approximately 3 hours by bus) was a
good choice.
The choice of Way Kanan Regency as the site for
International Airport in Lampung was supported by Chairman of the Parliament
for Lampung Province Marwan Cik Asan as quoted from Tribun Lampung. His support
was based on the revenue distribution between South Lampung and Way Kanan.
South Lampung already has Bakauheni port, and Way Kanan will have an
international airport.
Ginta further explained that Branti area, where Radin Inten
II Airport is currently located, has already dense population, and is
overloaded with land transportation as it is very close to inter Sumatera
highway.
“This condition makes Branti not potential for an
international airport including facility for pilgrimage embarkation,” Ginta
said. He is also of the opinion that upgrading Radin Inten II Airport to the international
level is a wrong step as this will involve a lot of money clearing the land for
the expansion of the runways, let alone perhaps the possible displacement of
the residents living nearby.
Governor of Lampung, Sachroedin ZP in response to the
statement made by Ginta Wiryasenjaya confirmed that the upgrading of Radin
Inten II Airport will go as planned. He believes that Radin Inten II Airport
being at international level will give a positive impact on other regions’
economic improvement and inter region transportation network will not be impaired.
Related Link:
http://www.exploring-lampung.com/2012/04/radin-inten-ii-airport-lampung-located.html
Related Link:
http://www.exploring-lampung.com/2012/04/radin-inten-ii-airport-lampung-located.html
