Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has designated 40 airports as international airports in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s position in the global aviation network.
The status upgrade is outlined in Minister of Transportation Decree No. KM 38 of 2025, which governs the use of airports authorized to handle direct flights to and from overseas under certain temporary and exceptional circumstances.
Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said each designated international airport must meet strict safety, security, and service standards, and be equipped with immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities before handling any direct international flights.
“International status brings significant responsibility,” Lukman said in a press release on Monday (Aug. 11, 2025).
The designation covering 36 commercial airports, three special-use airports, and one regionally managed airports. The 36 commercial airports stretch from Aceh in the west to Papua in the east, underscoring the nationwide scope of the policy.
Meanwhile The three newly designated special-use international airports are:
- Sultan Syarief Haroen Setia Negara Special Airport, Pelalawan, Riau
- Weda Bay Special Airport, Central Halmahera, North Maluku
- Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Special Airport, Morowali, Central Sulawesi
The airports will serve only non-scheduled commercial or non-commercial flights, primarily for medical evacuations, disaster response, or passenger and cargo transport supporting their core industrial operations.
Given their special and temporary nature, operations at these airports must still comply with all regulations governing special-use airports.
The decree also elevates Bersujud Airport in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, a facility managed by a regional government unit to international status.
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These airports can now serve international flights once they secure the required approvals and meet regulatory standards. International flights can only be conducted once all safety, security, and service requirements are met, and after coordination with relevant customs, immigration, and quarantine authorities. Coordination includes ensuring the availability of adequate personnel and supporting facilities.
“This step ensures that every international flight through these special-use airports fully complies with the law. Meeting technical requirements and cross-agency coordination are key to safe, orderly, and compliant operations,” Lukman said.
The expansion aims to strengthen Indonesia’s air connectivity, support tourism, and boost regional economic growth. The designation is expected to open new routes, attract more international visitors, and strengthen indonesia’s position in the global aviation network.
(Raidi/Agung)
