Indonesia Transforms Toll Roads into Emergency Runways for Jets

Indonesia is initiating a groundbreaking plan to convert its toll roads into emergency runways for military aircraft, a move that could enhance the country’s defense capabilities across its vast archipelago. The chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal Tonny Harjono, announced on Wednesday that the initiative aims to ensure that each of the nation’s 39 provinces will eventually have at least one toll road designated as an emergency runway, although no specific timeline has been provided.

In a demonstration held in Lampung Province on March 15, 2024, an Indonesian Air Force F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack aircraft successfully landed and took off from a section of the toll road. This event was highlighted by Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto, who stated that the successful operation marks a significant milestone in bolstering Indonesia’s defense infrastructure.

The concept of utilizing highways as military landing strips is not unprecedented. Several countries, including the United States, Finland, and Sweden, have successfully demonstrated similar strategies. The Indonesian approach comes at a time when the U.S. military is also exploring ways to disperse its air forces across the Pacific, aiming to create a more resilient defense posture against potential threats, particularly from China.

While Indonesia has had disputes with China in the South China Sea, the new initiative is not perceived as a direct response to any specific country. An official statement from the Indonesian Air Force emphasized that using toll roads as alternative runways is intended to enhance operational readiness without compromising their primary function as public transportation infrastructure.

The adoption of this strategy could provide a cost-effective solution for Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, which comprises over 6,000 inhabited islands extending over a distance of approximately 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers). Establishing a fleet of aircraft carriers would significantly strain Indonesia’s financial resources, as these vessels typically require billions of dollars for acquisition and maintenance.

Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, remarked that turning toll roads into emergency runways offers a more strategic and operational advantage compared to relying on aircraft carriers. He noted, “The margin of risk is lower than an aircraft carrier. If you strike the aircraft carrier once, it’s gone.” By contrast, having multiple roads designated for military use means the loss of one would not critically impact the overall operational capability.

The recent demonstrations showcased the capability of the F-16 and Super Tucano, which cannot operate from aircraft carriers. Harjono indicated that the plan includes designating sections of toll roads that are at least 3,000 meters (almost two miles) long to accommodate military aircraft operations.

Despite the challenges posed by narrower landing spaces, Taufanto praised the skill of Indonesian pilots, who successfully executed landings on roads that are approximately 24 meters (79 feet) wide, compared to the typical width of airport runways, which ranges between 45 to 60 meters. He acknowledged the inherent risks but assured that Air Force pilots receive specialized training to handle such conditions.

As Indonesia moves forward with this innovative approach, it seeks to enhance its defense capabilities while addressing the logistical challenges posed by its extensive geography. The transition of toll roads into emergency runways represents a significant step towards a more robust national defense strategy, ensuring that Indonesia can respond effectively to potential threats across its sprawling islands.