Majalengka Regency Backs BIJB Kertajati as Aircraft Maintenance Facility

Majalengka Regency Government has expressed full support for the development of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati.

Regent of Majalengka, Eman Suherman, stated that the move is strategically vital to revive the airport’s operations, which have been suboptimal, and to boost the local economy. “We fully support the MRO facility development at BIJB Kertajati. It’s a strategic step to rejuvenate airport activity and enhance the surrounding economy,” he said on Monday (1 June).

Suherman urged all parties to approach the development optimistically, cautioning against negative assumptions or claims linking the commercial facility to military use. “Let’s think positively. MRO is for aircraft maintenance. If there’s an aircraft workshop in Majalengka, commercial flights will surely follow. From a business perspective, this will bring vibrancy to Majalengka,” he added.

He emphasised that the regency supports MRO purely as part of aviation business ecosystem development, which will have a domino effect on the local economy. However, he firmly opposed any plan to repurpose the West Java pride airport into a military base.

Describing BIJB Kertajati’s current state, Suherman likened it to being “neither dead nor alive”. The local community has long awaited the return of commercial flight activity. “Our people are frustrated by the wait. Others elsewhere are tired of seeing planes fly overhead, but we’re stuck waiting for flights to resume. Therefore, the MRO’s arrival is a new hope we must collectively support,” he stressed.

With MRO operations, various supporting industries, SMEs, and local job creation around the airport are expected to surge. This initiative is hoped to end BIJB Kertajati’s “suspended animation” and bring prosperity to residents and the surrounding area. (UL/I-1)