Indonesian Air Force backs Kertajati as regional Hercules MRO hub

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) fully backs a plan to transform Kertajati International Airport in West Java into a regional hub for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of C-130 Hercules military aircraft.

Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono confirmed the military's support during a meeting with Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Economic Affairs at the National Development Planning Ministry, in Jakarta on Thursday (June 4).

“His support for the development of Kertajati Airport as an MRO facility is in line with the Indonesian Air Force’s experience in carrying out training and flight activities in the airport,” the Air Force stated in a press release.

The development of Kertajati Airport as an MRO facility will have a positive impact on many aspects, including the domestic defense and aerospace industries, according to Tonny.

With such a facility, local defense firms would be able to integrate directly into every tier of the aircraft maintenance lifecycle.

This structural shift will not only elevate the profile of the domestic aviation industry but also open vital pipelines for the development of homegrown defense and aerospace technologies.

However, acknowledging both the immense economic windfalls and the complex defense implications, Air Marshal Tonny emphasized that the military is proceeding systematically.

The Air Force has already prepared multiple operational studies to guide the infrastructure integration.

"The development of this area still requires further discussion with relevant ministries and agencies," the Air Force stated, emphasizing that a meticulous, multi-sector roadmap is vital to ensure the hub remains an independent, integrated and sustainable national asset.

Earlier, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin conveyed the offer from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to make Indonesia a maintenance hub for C-130 Hercules aircraft in the Asia region.

President Prabowo Subianto was reported to have approved the offer and designated Kertajati Airport as the location.

"The choice of Kertajati Airport takes into account the availability of extensive land and adequate aviation support facilities," Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait said.

Operating since 2018, Kertajati spans 1,800 hectares with a 3,000-meter runway capable of handling heavy wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777.

Describing the development as a significant leap forward for national defense, Rico said the hub will position Indonesia as a vital logistics partner for all Asian nations operating Hercules transport aircraft.

However, the prospect of hosting a crucial maintenance hub heavily linked to the US military has sparked concerns that Indonesia will increasingly be drawn into US interests.

"If the facility is exclusively for supporting the operations of US military aircraft in the Asian region, it could be perceived as a US military base in Indonesia,” Indonesian lawmaker T.B. Hasanuddin warned.

Hasanuddin urged the government to tread carefully, warning against any contractual exclusivity that could trigger sovereignty concerns or regional friction.

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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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