Indonesia is set to convert its toll roads into emergency runways for military aircraft, a move that could significantly enhance the nation’s defense capabilities. The plan aims to provide the country with the equivalent of multiple aircraft carriers across its vast archipelago. During a demonstration on Wednesday, an Indonesian Air Force F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack plane successfully landed and took off from a toll road in Lampung Province, located on the southern tip of Sumatra.
Tonny Harjono, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, expressed hopes that each of the country’s 39 provinces will eventually have at least one section of toll road designated for military use, although no specific timeline was provided. The significance of this initiative was underscored by Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Deputy Defense Minister, who called the successful landings “an important milestone in strengthening the universal defense system.”
Strategic and Cost-Effective Defense Solution
The concept of utilizing highways as military landing strips is not new. Countries such as the United States, Finland, and Sweden have successfully implemented similar strategies. Dispersing military aircraft across numerous islands is a tactic also employed by the U.S. military, particularly as it seeks to make its air forces less vulnerable in potential conflicts, such as those involving China.
While tensions exist between Indonesia and China over the South China Sea, officials emphasize that this new plan is not specifically aimed at any particular nation. An Indonesian Air Force statement noted that the initiative is intended to “strengthen operational readiness” without compromising the primary function of toll roads for public transportation.
Analysts highlight the economic advantages of using existing infrastructure. Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, consists of over 6,000 inhabited islands spanning an east-west distance of 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers). Establishing aircraft carriers, which can cost billions of dollars to build and maintain, is not a feasible option for the Indonesian Navy.
Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, explained, “An aircraft carrier doesn’t seem that attractive as a cost-effective platform. Having countless toll roads and highways earmarked as emergency military runways across the entire archipelago makes more strategic and operational sense.” Koh added that the risk is lower with multiple roadways designated for military use, as the loss of one would not incapacitate the entire operation.
Military Training and Operational Readiness
The Indonesian Air Force plans to designate sections of toll roads that are approximately 3,000 meters long (almost two miles) for military aircraft landings and takeoffs. The recent demonstration showcased the skill of Indonesian pilots, who managed to land on roadways that are significantly narrower than traditional airport runways.
“Toll roads are only about 24 meters (79 feet) wide, narrower than airport runways at 45 to 60 meters,” Taufanto noted. “It’s risky, but Air Force pilots are trained for these conditions,” he stated, as reported by the government-run Antara news agency.
This innovative approach not only addresses the need for enhanced military readiness but also highlights Indonesia’s commitment to adapting its defense strategies to the unique challenges posed by its geographical landscape. As the nation continues to invest in its military infrastructure, the transformation of toll roads into emergency runways may play a crucial role in safeguarding its airspace and ensuring operational flexibility in the face of potential threats.
