Indonesia is launching an innovative initiative to convert its toll roads into emergency runways for military aircraft. This plan aims to provide the nation with a network of operational airstrips across its vast archipelago, circumventing the need for costly aircraft carriers. The idea was announced by the chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal Tonny Harjono, who expressed hopes that each of the country’s 39 provinces will have at least one section of toll road designated for military use.
In a successful demonstration held on Wednesday in Lampung province, an F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack plane performed landings and takeoffs on a toll road. This event was praised by Donny Ermawan Taufanto, the Deputy Defense Minister, who stated that this success represents a significant advancement in enhancing Indonesia’s defense capabilities.
Utilizing highways as military landing strips is not a new concept, as several countries, including the United States, Finland, and Sweden, have implemented similar strategies. The United States military is also exploring dispersing fighter jets across various islands in the Pacific to reduce their vulnerability in potential conflicts, particularly with China. Despite Indonesia’s ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, officials emphasize that the new plan is not aimed at any specific country.
The Indonesian Air Force has indicated that transforming toll roads into emergency runways will bolster its operational readiness against diverse threats while maintaining their primary function as public transportation routes. An official statement highlighted that this approach is also a cost-effective solution for a country that is the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of over 6,000 inhabited islands spread out over an east-west distance of 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers).
Acquiring and maintaining aircraft carriers can be prohibitively expensive, often costing billions of dollars. Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, noted that positioning multiple toll roads as emergency military airstrips is more strategic and operationally sound. He explained that if one aircraft carrier is struck, it is lost, whereas several operational roads provide resilience against potential attacks.
Military aircraft used in the demonstration, including the F-16 and Super Tucano, are not capable of launching from aircraft carriers. The plan includes equipping designated road sections with a length of 3,000 meters (almost two miles) to accommodate military takeoffs and landings. The toll roads, which are approximately 24 meters (79 feet) wide, are narrower than conventional airport runways, which typically range from 45 to 60 meters.
Despite the inherent risks of such operations, Harjono praised the skill of Indonesian pilots, stating they are trained to handle these challenging landing conditions. The Indonesian government-run Antara news agency reported his comments, underscoring the significant capabilities of the Air Force in adapting to diverse operational environments.
As Indonesia continues to develop its military infrastructure, the use of toll roads as emergency runways represents a notable shift in its defense strategy, promising enhanced readiness without sacrificing essential public services.
