Jakarta, IO – According to the Transportation Ministry (Kemenhub), there are only 17 international airports in Indonesia, down from previously 34. Kemenhub spokesperson Adita Irawati said that the designation aims to spur the national aviation sector, which was badly affected by the pandemic. In addition, the decision has been discussed with the relevant ministries/agencies under the purview of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Ministry.
“Ministerial Decree 31/2004 was issued with the aim of protecting international flights post-pandemic by making airports an international hub (feeder) in their own country,” said Adita, per CNN Indonesia, Tue (30/4).
She added: “So far, most international airports only serve international flights to certain countries and are short-distance flights, so international hubs are actually enjoyed by other countries.”
The 17 international airports are Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport, Kualanamu Airport, Minangkabau Airport, Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, Hang Nadim Airport, Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Kertajati Airport, New Yogyakarta Airport, Juanda Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Airport, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport, Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Sam Ratulangi Airport, Sentani Airport, and Komodo Airport.
Transportation Ministerial Regulation 40/2023 on national airport management also allows the use of international airports to serve foreign flights for certain purposes on a temporary basis.
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The activities in question include state activities, activities or events of an international nature, hajj embarkation and debarkation, supporting national economic growth by promoting the tourism and trade industry, as well as for disaster mitigation or relief operations.
“It is important to know that airport management in general, including international airports, will continue to be evaluated on an ongoing basis according to the developing situation and conditions,” said Adita. (at)