Aliy Arivin, Jakarta – The Ministry of Transportation has officially designated five new international airports as of early 2025. This change is based on Minister of Transportation Decree Number KM 26 of 2025 and KM 30 of 2025
Previously, Indonesia had 17 international airports listed under Ministerial Decree Number KM 31 of 2024.
With the latest additions, the total number of international airports in Indonesia has increased to 22. Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that this step is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen the international flight network.
Lukman said this policy is a strategic move to improve international connectivity, support tourism, and boost regional economic development.
"The designation of international airports is done in a measured way, taking into account infrastructure readiness, the potential for foreign air transportation, and connections with intermodal transportation systems," Lukman said in a press release issued by Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Three airports were granted international status through Minister of Transportation Decree Number KM 26 of 2025:
- Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang
- H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Bangka Belitung
- Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang
Two additional airports received international status through Minister of Transportation Decree Number KM 30 of 2025:
- Syamsuddin Noor Airport in Banjarmasin
- Supadio Airport in Pontianak
The designation is based on comprehensive studies that assess several factors including air traffic potential, projections for international route growth, geographic distribution, and distance to existing international airports.
In addition, connections with other modes of transportation and the readiness of immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities are also considered. All these elements must meet technical and operational standards for aviation safety, security, and service quality.
Lukman emphasized that Ministry of Transportation will continue to oversee and support the newly designated international airports to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. "We make sure every designation is carefully made based on accurate data," he said.
The Ministry of Transportation is also working with regional governments, airport authorities, and related stakeholders to ensure smooth operations. Lukman added that the government seeks to promote regional growth through more open and competitive flight services.
"This addition is part of our commitment to providing equal, quality, and globally standardized air services for all Indonesians," he said.
Lukman noted that international status is not final and will be reviewed based on each airport's performance, including passenger and cargo volume, flight frequency, and the condition of supporting services.
"This evaluation will help determine whether the international status is maintained or adjusted according to the needs of service users and developments in the aviation sector," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations at the Directorate General of Air Transportation, Endah Purnama Sari, said that the designation of these five airports aims to enhance both national and international connectivity.
She added that the initiative also supports balanced development and regional economic progress.
"This step is part of realizing the vision of President Prabowo Subianto," Endah said in the same press release.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2036917/indonesian-govt-designates-five-new-international-airport