Indonesia is taking an unconventional approach to national defense: transforming its extensive network of toll roads into emergency runways for fighter jets. This initiative aims to provide the country with a geographically dispersed air power capability, effectively creating the equivalent of multiple aircraft carriers across its vast archipelago.
A Network of Emergency Runways
On Wednesday, the Indonesian Air Force successfully demonstrated the feasibility of this plan, with an F-16 fighter and a Super Tucano attack plane landing and taking off from a toll road in Lampung province, on the southern tip of Sumatra. Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Tonny Harjono expressed hope that eventually, each of Indonesia’s 39 provinces will have at least one toll road section capable of serving as an emergency runway, though a specific timeline has not been announced.
Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto hailed the demonstration as “an important milestone in strengthening the universal defense system.” The concept of using highways as landing strips is not new, with militaries in the United States, Finland, and Sweden having previously demonstrated similar capabilities.
Strategic Implications
Analysts suggest this strategy is a cost-effective way to address Indonesia’s unique geographical challenges. “Having countless toll roads and highways earmarked as emergency military runways across the entire archipelago makes more strategic and operational sense,” said Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He explained that dispersing air assets makes them less vulnerable, noting, “The margin of risk is lower than an aircraft carrier. If you strike the aircraft carrier once, it’s gone.”
The Indonesian Air Force plans to designate 3,000-meter-long (almost two miles) sections of roadways for military use. Pilots successfully landed on toll roads only 24 meters (79 feet) wide – significantly narrower than the 45 to 60 meters typical of airport runways – demonstrating a high level of skill, according to officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this plan directed at any specific country?
Indonesia has had disputes with China in the South China Sea, but the new plan for runways on roadways isn’t seen as any being directed at any country.
What types of aircraft can use these roadways?
The F-16 and Super Tucano aircraft used in Wednesday’s demonstrations cannot operate off carriers, making the toll road runways a viable option for these planes.
What is the primary function of these toll roads?
“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,” an Indonesian Air Force statement said.
As Indonesia moves forward with this ambitious plan, will this innovative approach to defense prove to be a successful model for other nations with challenging geographies?
