The future of Kertajati International Airport in West Java is facing a critical reevaluation, as top provincial officials question the effectiveness of continued financial support. Recent discussions reveal growing concerns over the airport’s operational costs versus its economic contributions,prompting a potential shift in its purpose.
Kertajati Airport Funding Under Scrutiny
Dedi Mulyadi, the Head of West Java’s Bappeda (Progress Planning Agency), has publicly voiced his doubts about the ongoing allocation of approximately IDR 50 billion (roughly $3.2 million USD as of January 10,2026) from the regional budget (APBD) for Kertajati’s operational management. He’s asking a crucial question: if the investment isn’t yielding tangible results, shoudl funding be paused?
I’ve found that a common pitfall in infrastructure projects is a lack of rigorous cost-benefit analysis *before* meaningful investment. It appears this may be a factor in the current situation with Kertajati.
Mulyadi’s criticism centers on the lack of demonstrable commercial benefits stemming from the allocated funds. He argues that simply maintaining the airport’s operations and salaries isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear return on investment for West Java.
“We have to be honest,” he stated. “Management is funded, people are paid, but what is being produced?”
This sentiment reflects a broader trend in infrastructure project evaluation, where accountability and measurable outcomes are increasingly prioritized. According to a report by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation in late 2024,several regional airports are operating below capacity,highlighting the need for strategic planning and realistic projections.
Controversial Use of State Civil Apparatus (ASN)
A particularly contentious issue is the practice of encouraging state civil servants (ASN) to utilize Kertajati for umrah (Islamic pilgrimage) flights. This strategy, intended to boost airport activity, has drawn sharp criticism from Mulyadi.
He firmly believes that artificially inflating passenger numbers through mandatory ASN travel is an unsustainable and ultimately unhealthy business practice. Here’s what works best: organic growth driven by genuine demand, not forced participation.
“we want to encourage umrah departures from Kertajati, but having to deploy ASN is something I disagree with. This kind of pattern won’t create commercial benefits. If ASN are flown today, who will be flown tomorrow? it’s not lasting,” he explained.
This approach raises ethical questions about the appropriate use of public resources and the potential for distorting market signals. A recent study by the Indonesian Center for Reform on Economics (ICRE) in November 2025, emphasized the importance of market-driven solutions for regional airport development.
Did You Know? Indonesia is the country with the largest
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