Tanjungpinang, Batamnews - Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad received a visit from the Riau Islands Province Economic Transformation Roadmap Preparation Team and the N219A Pilot Project Plan of the Ministry of Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional or BPN / Bappenas (BPN/Bappenas - National Development Planning Agency) of the Republic of Indonesia at the Batam Islands Graha Office, Monday (7/11/2022).

Ansar Ahmad admitted that he fully supports the efforts to accelerate air bridge development in the Riau Islands region because Riau Islands needs the acceleration of connectivity transport, especially in the air sector, to connect the foremost and outermost islands of Indonesia.

"The acceleration of the air bridge in Riau Islands is part of the pilot project of the Ministry of BPN / Bappenas through the Riau Islands Economic Transformation program to the Golden Indonesia 2045," Ansar said.

The air transportation sector is still minimal in Riau Islands. While for other transportation sectors, namely sea and land routes are very good.

For the solution, the Ministry of BPN / Bappenas offers the scheme of purchasing amphibious pioneer aircraft produced by the nation's children, namely from PT Dirgantara Indonesia. The N219 aircraft costs approximately IDR 100 billion. 

"We are considering this," he explained. 

Airbridge connectivity in Riau Islands will provide many benefits for the country called Segantang Lada itself. One of them will accelerate the entry of investment, given the many business sectors which can be developed in the Riau Islands region.

"Our seriousness in welcoming the program from the Ministry of BPN / Bappenas is also to support the growth and development of the Indonesian aerospace industry through PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which will begin producing N219 aircraft made by the nation's children to meet the demand for pioneer aircraft needs for the outermost and foremost areas," he said.

Meanwhile, the President Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Gita Amperiawan, said that Riau Islands is the location of the N219 seaplane transportation pilot project.

The central government understands the problems faced by Indonesia's northernmost district, such as accessibility for air transportation. 

"This pilot project will be realized in 2025 in Natuna District," he said.