Husein Airport Reactivation Sparks Dilemma as Bandung Tourism Benefits but Kertajati Faces Threat

MTI Advisory Council member Djoko Setijowarno said the reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung for commercial jet flights, which had previously seen most routes shifted to West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati in Majalengka, has become a highly debated topic. Djoko noted the move has sparked intense debate not merely over flight route changes, but a strong tug-of-war between short-term economic recovery and long-term infrastructure investment sustainability.

“This policy has ignited debate due to the strong tug-of-war between short-term consumer convenience and the sustainability of long-term infrastructure investment,” Djoko stated in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

Broadly speaking, he outlined the impacts of reactivating Husein Sastranegara Airport across several dimensions.

First, positive effects on Bandung Raya’s tourism and economy. “For Bandung City and its surroundings (Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, and West Bandung Regency), the airport’s reactivation is a much-awaited breath of fresh air for businesses,” Djoko added.

He noted domestic and international tourists, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore, could land directly in the heart of Bandung without additional land travel.

Second, a major challenge for Kertajati Airport’s sustainability. He considered this the most controversial aspect from a macro policy perspective. Djoko stated Kertajati was built with trillions of rupiah in investment to become West Java’s primary air gateway, replacing Husein Sastranegara.

“If jet airlines are allowed to resume operations in Bandung, Kertajati Airport’s appeal will plummet for Greater Bandung residents. It risks becoming passenger-starved, leading to difficulties in achieving return on investment and high operational fiscal burdens,” said the academic from Unika Soegijapranata’s Civil Engineering Study Programme.

According to Djoko, the Cisumdawu Toll Road has already reduced Bandung-Kertajati travel time to around one to one-and-a-half hours. Meanwhile, the Whoosh High-Speed Train has firmly secured the Jakarta-Bandung corridor.

“Reactivating Husein risks disrupting the market sharing that has begun to form among these new infrastructures,” Djoko added.