Indonesia to build more airports

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government aimed at building 15 new airports as an effort to smooth flow of goods and people movement to support economic growth, a media quoting minister reported here on Wednesday.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economy Hata Rajasa said that the airports would be built in eastern parts of the country and the construction would kick off next year.

"This aims at spurring economic growth in eastern parts of the country," he was quoted by Tempo.co.id, one of the leading portals in the country.

Transport Minister Evert Erenst Mangindaan said that over 31.4 trillion rupiah (some $3.323 billion) funds would be set aside for the projects.

Last year, Indonesia's air passenger for international destination rose by 12.3 percent to 10.8 million people from the previous year, indicating growing demand on the Southeast Asia largest economy, the national statistic bureau said.

The Indonesian government has aimed to put priority to develop aviation industry as it is the most effective and efficient transport means in the vast archipelago country.

Indonesia comprises 17.500 islands and is homed by about 238 million people, in which the middle class has been growing.