Bandung airport reactivation sparks debate over tourism gains versus Kertajati's future

Indonesia is facing a debate over the potential reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung for jet commercial flights. The airport had previously seen most of its routes transferred to the newer West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati in Majalengka. This proposed shift has sparked considerable discussion, centering on the tension between short-term economic benefits and long-term infrastructure investment sustainability.

Djoko Setijowarno, an advisor for the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI), highlighted that the reactivation would be a significant boost for the tourism and economy of Bandung Raya, which includes Bandung City, Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, and West Bandung Regency. Businesses in the region have eagerly awaited this development, as it would allow domestic and international tourists, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore, to land directly in Bandung's city center, eliminating the need for additional ground travel.

However, the move presents a major challenge to the viability of Kertajati Airport. Built with trillions of rupiah in investment, Kertajati was intended to be West Java's primary air gateway. Djoko warns that allowing jet airlines to return to Bandung could drastically reduce Kertajati's appeal to Bandung Raya residents, potentially leading to it becoming underutilized again. This scenario could jeopardize Kertajati's ability to achieve its return on investment and increase its operational fiscal burden.

Setijowarno also noted that the Cisumdawu Toll Road has already reduced travel time between Bandung and Kertajati to about one to one-and-a-half hours. Furthermore, the Whoosh high-speed train effectively serves the Jakarta-Bandung corridor. Reintroducing jet operations at Husein could disrupt the market-sharing dynamics that are beginning to stabilize among these new infrastructure projects.