Indonesia is implementing an innovative strategy to convert its extensive toll roads into emergency runways for military aircraft. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force across the archipelago, which consists of over 6,000 inhabited islands. On Wednesday, officials successfully demonstrated this concept in Lampung province, where both an Indonesian Air Force F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack plane successfully landed and took off from a toll road.
Tonny Harjono, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, expressed aspirations for each of the country’s 39 provinces to have at least one toll road section designated for emergency landings. Although no specific timeline has been provided, this ambition reflects a significant shift in Indonesia’s military strategy.
In a statement, Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto called the successful demonstration an “important milestone in strengthening the universal defense system.” The ability to utilize toll roads as makeshift runways is not a novel concept; various countries, including the United States, Finland, and Sweden, have previously explored similar strategies.
New Runway Strategy Enhances Military Flexibility
The Indonesian military’s plan is designed not only to bolster air defense but also to optimize the use of existing infrastructure. According to an Indonesian Air Force statement, “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.” This approach is particularly relevant given Indonesia’s geographical challenges.
Covering a vast territory that spans approximately 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers), Indonesia presents unique logistical hurdles for military operations. Analysts have noted that building and maintaining traditional aircraft carriers would be prohibitively expensive, with costs running into the billions of dollars.
Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, emphasized the strategic advantages of utilizing roadways. “Having countless toll roads and highways earmarked as emergency military runways across the entire archipelago makes more strategic and operational sense,” Koh stated. He highlighted that in the event of an attack on an aircraft carrier, the loss could be catastrophic; however, the dispersal of aircraft across various roadways mitigates this risk.
Training and Safety Considerations
For the implementation of this plan, certain requirements have been set, including the construction of sections of toll roads that are 3,000 meters long, or nearly two miles. These lengths are necessary to accommodate military aircraft during takeoff and landing. During the recent demonstration, the pilots showcased their skills by landing on roadways that are significantly narrower than standard airport runways, which typically range from 45 to 60 meters in width.
“Toll roads are only about 24 meters (79 feet) wide, narrower than airport runways,” Harjono noted. “It’s risky, but Air Force pilots are trained for these conditions,” he added, as reported by the government-run Antara news agency.
This initiative comes at a time when Indonesia has faced maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, although officials have clarified that the new runway strategy is not intended as a direct response to any specific country. Instead, the focus remains on enhancing national defense capabilities in a cost-effective manner.
As Indonesia continues to develop its military infrastructure, the plan to convert toll roads into emergency runways represents a significant advancement in the country’s defense strategy. With rigorous training and strategic planning, the Indonesian Air Force is positioning itself to better respond to diverse potential threats while maximizing the use of its existing resources.
