Pekanbaru Sultan Syarif Kasim Airport commences expansion plans without approval

Indonesia's Pekanbaru Sultan Syarif Kasim Airport has reportedly gone ahead with expansion plans despite the absence of a written endorsement (The Jakarta Post, 15-Mar-2010). The city has now warned airport authority, PT Angkasa Pura II, that it will face a legal challenge if it continues to ignore its requirement for a building permit. PT Angkasa Pura II responded stating the matter is "only a misunderstanding" and that they only require a permit for the construction of supporting premises. The project, to be completed this year, will increase airport capacity and allow it to handle B747 aircraft.