Indonesia is initiating a groundbreaking strategy to transform its toll roads into emergency runways for military aircraft. This plan aims to enhance the operational capacity of the Indonesian Air Force across its vast archipelago, providing a network of alternative landing sites equivalent to multiple aircraft carriers. During a demonstration on Wednesday, an F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack plane successfully landed and took off from a toll road in Lampung province, located at the southern tip of Sumatra.
Marshal Tonny Harjono, the 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 emergency use. While no timeline for the completion of this initiative has been established, the demonstration marks a significant step in the country’s defense capabilities. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This success marks an important milestone in strengthening the universal defense system.”
This innovative approach to utilizing toll roads for military operations is not entirely new. Several nations, including the United States, Finland, and Sweden, have previously employed similar tactics. The concept of dispersing fighter jets across islands addresses strategic vulnerabilities, particularly as the U.S. military seeks to minimize risks in potential conflicts, such as those involving China. Although Indonesia has experienced disputes with China in the South China Sea, officials stress that the new plan is not aimed at any specific country.
According to an official statement from the Indonesian Air Force, “The use of toll roads as situational alternative runways is expected to strengthen the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force in facing various potential threats, without reducing the primary function of toll roads as public transportation infrastructure.” Analysts view this initiative as a cost-effective solution to cover Indonesia’s extensive territory, which includes more than 6,000 inhabited islands spanning an east-west distance of 5,000 kilometers (approximately 3,100 miles).
The logistical challenges of maintaining an aircraft carrier are considerable, with costs that can reach into the billions of dollars. Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, noted, “An aircraft carrier doesn’t seem that attractive as a cost-effective platform.” He explained that having numerous toll roads designated as emergency runways is strategically advantageous. “Having countless toll roads and highways earmarked as emergency military runways across the entire archipelago makes more strategic and operational sense,” Koh added. The flexibility of multiple roadways means that the loss of one would not jeopardize overall military readiness.
The operational capabilities of the military aircraft involved in the recent demonstration are noteworthy. The F-16 and Super Tucano cannot operate from aircraft carriers, making the toll road strategy particularly relevant. Marshal Harjono indicated that plans include developing sections of toll roads measuring 3,000 meters (nearly two miles) in length to accommodate military aircraft.
During the demonstration, Deputy Minister Taufanto praised the skills of Indonesian pilots, who successfully landed on toll roads that are only 24 meters (approximately 79 feet) wide—narrower than typical airport runways, which measure between 45 to 60 meters. “It’s risky, but Air Force pilots are trained for these conditions,” he remarked, highlighting the adaptability and expertise required for such operations.
As Indonesia moves forward with this ambitious plan, the implications for regional defense strategies and operational readiness are significant. The integration of toll roads into military logistics not only enhances national security but also demonstrates innovative thinking in addressing the unique challenges posed by the country’s geography.
