AHY: PTDI and BIJB Collaboration to Develop Kertajati as Aerospace Hub

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has revealed a collaboration between PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) and PT Bandarudara Internasional Jawa Barat (Perseroda) to develop the Kertajati area in West Java as an aerospace industrial hub.

“The signing of a memorandum of understanding between PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), or PTDI, and PT Bandarudara Internasional Jawa Barat (Perseroda), or PT BIJB, is part of a joint commitment to develop the Kertajati area into one of the aerospace industrial hubs,” AHY said at the signing ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, one of the challenges that continues to be closely monitored is ensuring that Kertajati Airport becomes increasingly active, with more flights using the airport, including for hajj and umrah pilgrimages.

At the same time, efforts are under way to develop an aerospace industrial zone, or industrial park, dedicated to the aviation industry.

“Therefore, PTDI is certainly one of the key players going forward. We know that PTDI has long been the pride of Indonesia as a manufacturing pillar in the aerospace and aircraft sector, and is now also developing drones for both civilian and military purposes,” AHY said.

According to AHY, as is widely known, Bandung is becoming increasingly densely populated, with growing competing demands on land use, so a larger development area is needed, making Kertajati one of the ideal choices.

He explained that Kertajati’s location in Majalengka Regency, within the Cirebon-Patimban-Kertajati (Rebana) corridor, is also strategic because, in terms of regional connectivity, it links directly westwards to Jakarta, as well as the industrial areas of Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta.

To the west there is also Patimban Port, while eastwards the corridor extends to Cirebon and continues into Central Java as far as Semarang. To the south, Kertajati is expected to serve as a feeder for flights to a number of regencies and cities in southern West Java and Central Java.

“The essence is that if we can relocate, of course gradually, starting with MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) facilities. Once again, this can be targeted at both the domestic and international markets,” AHY said.