Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has said that weather modification needs to be improved to optimize infrastructure development in the new national capital (IKN) Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
"We ask to enhance weather modification in the next few months, so that the construction of the IKN airport becomes optimal," he added here on Saturday.
The minister reviewed the progress of IKN Airport on Friday.
Sumadi said that the biggest challenge to the construction of IKN Airport has been the weather condition, particularly continuous rainfall, in East Kalimantan region.
"Rainfall in East Kalimantan region has been quite high in the past month, with only eight sunny days. Therefore, weather modification is a must," he added.
If the unsupportive weather condition continues, he said, the IKN airport construction target may get pushed back.
According to him, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) tried to modify the weather and succeeded in reducing rainfall intensity.
"I ask to improve weather modification in the East Kalimantan region in collaboration with all stakeholders," he said.
Sumadi expressed the hope that weather modification would support the acceleration of infrastructure development in the IKN area.
"I ask all Indonesians to pray so that the efforts can produce the best results," he added.
During his visit to the IKN Airport construction site, the minister took a look at the terminal building. According to him, the progress is mostly good and can continue to be maximized.
"The access road to the airport now can be used. Other work that is currently being carried out includes the ceiling and electrical installation," he informed.
The IKN Airport's runway, which is being built to welcome the Independence Day celebration on August 17, 2024, will measure 2,200 meters in length.
