The Dilemma of Husein Sastranegara Airport and Kertajati's Decline

Transportation and spatial planning policies in West Java have reached a critical juncture. Plans are now underway to reactivate Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung for commercial jet flights, despite most routes previously being shifted to Jawa Barat International Airport (BIJB) in Majalengka. This move has sparked heated debate, not merely about rerouting flights but also the tension between short-term economic recovery and long-term infrastructure investment sustainability.

Advisory Council member of the Indonesian Transport Association (MTI), Djoko Setijowarno, outlined three major impacts. First, positive effects on tourism and the Bandung metropolitan economy. For Bandung and surrounding areas (Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency), the airport’s reactivation is a much-anticipated breath of fresh air for local businesses. Local economic activity, the hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, cafes), creative industries, factory outlets, and SMEs in Bandung are projected to see immediate revenue surges as weekend tourist markets return.

Second, a major challenge for Kertajati Airport’s sustainability. This is the most controversial aspect from a macro policy perspective. Kertajati Airport 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’s appeal would plummet drastically for residents of the Bandung metropolitan area. The airport risks plummeting passenger numbers, complicating return on investment and imposing high operational fiscal burdens.

Djoko noted that the Cisumdawu Toll Road has reduced Bandung-Kertajati travel time to 1-1.5 hours. Conversely, the Whoosh High-Speed Train has firmly secured the Jakarta-Bandung corridor.

Third, positive aspects for consumers: travel time and cost efficiency. From a consumer psychology perspective, the plan is warmly welcomed by the public and travellers. Bandung residents flying to Medan, Bali, or Surabaya no longer need to spend 1.5 hours travelling to Kertajati or three hours to Soekarno-Hatta.