Committee I Welcomes Kertajati Airport Plan as Hercules MRO Hub

Deputy Chairman of Committee I of Indonesia’s People’s Representative Council (DPR), Dave Laksono, welcomed plans to develop Kertajati Airport in West Java into a Hercules C-130 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub for Asia. Dave assessed the move as strategically significant for Indonesia, enhancing technical capabilities and strengthening the country’s position within the regional defence ecosystem. “The MRO facility will bolster the operational readiness of Hercules aircraft, which play a crucial role in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and defence operations,” Dave said when contacted on Monday (25 May). Additionally, if realised, the project could create new jobs, enhance technical skills among the workforce, and stimulate local economic growth through knowledge and technology transfer. Dave stated that national sovereignty remains the primary principle if the plan is implemented. He emphasised that all international collaborations must comply with Indonesia’s regulations and mechanisms. Dave added that Committee I of the DPR would ensure no space for violations of national interests or sovereignty. “With this facility, Indonesia will not only be a technology user but also a recognised regional maintenance service provider. This will enhance our bargaining power in international cooperation and strengthen Indonesia’s reputation as a credible defence partner,” he said. The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) previously stated that plans to develop Kertajati Airport in West Java into a regional Hercules C-130 MRO hub are still in the preliminary assessment stage. “It is currently in the discussion and preliminary assessment phase, meaning the development of Kertajati as a regional Hercules MRO centre is still ongoing,” said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Information for the Kemhan Secretariat, when contacted. He explained that Kertajati Airport was chosen due to its ample land and adequate facilities. Rico stressed that the plan aims to strengthen the national defence and aviation industries, not to build a foreign military base. “To enable Indonesia to develop more autonomous capabilities in maintaining strategic transport aircraft and gradually become a regional hub. This is about enhancing technical and industrial capabilities, not constructing a foreign military base,” he said. Previously, the plan was first disclosed by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin during a meeting with Committee I of the DPR on Tuesday (19 May). During the meeting, Sjafrie recounted his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth last year. Hegseth made the offer to Sjafrie. “He offered, and this is not available in any ASEAN country, he proposed centralising C-130 maintenance across Asia in Indonesia at our expense,” Sjafrie said during the meeting. “I reported to the President, give Kertajati. We’re working on it,” he said.