Indonesian Air Force to Use East Java Toll Roads as Alternative Aircraft Runways in Emergencies

The Indonesian Air Force is studying the use of toll road sections in East Java as alternative aircraft runways to support operations when air bases cannot be used in emergency conditions. Head of the Air Force Information Service, Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana, said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday that several toll road sections are still being considered, one of which is the Probolinggo-Banyuwangi toll road.

“That is one of the plans, but it is still under review,” he said.

The plan to use toll road sections as alternative runways was discussed in a meeting led by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi, at Air Force Headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, on Monday (10/8/2026). During the meeting, the Air Force discussed various technical requirements that must be met for toll road sections to be used as alternative runways for Air Force aircraft.

“The Deputy Chief of Staff emphasised that all involved elements must carry out preparations carefully while prioritising safety and security factors at every stage of the activity,” Nyoman said.

According to the Air Force, the use of toll roads as alternative runways is being prepared to support the continuity of operations in emergency conditions when air bases cannot be used. The study covers technical readiness as well as safety and security aspects before specific road sections can be designated for use as alternative runways.

Nyoman said the Probolinggo-Banyuwangi toll road is one of the sections included in the plan, but the Air Force has not yet designated it as a location to be used. The Air Force will continue its review and technical preparations before the plan to use toll roads as alternative runways can be implemented.