News - Husein Sastranegara Airport to Resume Operations: A Catalyst for Economic Revival in West Java and Bandung

Husein Sastranegara Airport to Resume Operations: A Catalyst for Economic Revival in West Java and Bandung

Jul, 02 2026

The planned reopening of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung on 17 September 2026 has been warmly welcomed by the public, business communities, tourism stakeholders, and investors across West Java.

The government's confirmation that the airport will remain operational and continue serving propeller aircraft demonstrates its commitment to maintaining air connectivity for Bandung and its surrounding regions.

For decades, Husein Sastranegara Airport has served not only as a transportation hub but also as a key driver of the regional economy. Strategically located in the heart of Bandung, the airport offers convenient access for tourists, business travelers, investors, and residents requiring fast and efficient mobility.

From an economic perspective, the airport's reopening is expected to generate a significant multiplier effect. The hospitality industry, restaurants, shopping centers, ride-hailing services, travel agencies, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are anticipated to benefit from increased economic activity. The return of visitors to Bandung will not only stimulate the tourism sector but also strengthen the city's creative economy, culinary businesses, fashion industry, and service sector—long regarded as Bandung's economic strengths.

For businesses, the airport's close proximity to the city center provides substantial savings in both travel time and costs. Business meetings, investment forums, exhibitions, seminars, and other commercial activities can be conducted more efficiently. This further enhances Bandung's attractiveness as one of Indonesia's leading commercial and service cities.

Meanwhile, the operation of propeller aircraft presents an opportunity to improve regional connectivity across West Java. Cities and regencies with strong economic and tourism potential will enjoy faster and more convenient access to Bandung. Enhanced connectivity is essential for promoting balanced regional development and strengthening the province's economic network.

The tourism sector is also expected to benefit from the airport's reopening. Increased domestic tourist arrivals are likely to boost visitor numbers to key destinations across Greater Bandung, the northern Bandung highlands, culinary hubs, shopping districts, and cultural attractions. This development aligns with the West Java Provincial Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the province's tourism industry.

Furthermore, the complementary operation of Husein Sastranegara Airport and Kertajati International Airport is expected to create a more adaptive and efficient air transportation system. While Kertajati accommodates large-scale and higher-capacity flights, Husein Sastranegara will focus on regional routes served by smaller aircraft. Such an arrangement will improve passenger distribution while expanding air accessibility throughout West Java.

The certainty that Husein Sastranegara Airport will continue operating also sends a positive signal to businesses and investors. Reliable transportation infrastructure remains one of the key considerations in investment decision-making. By ensuring sustained connectivity, the region can foster a more favorable and competitive business climate.

Ultimately, the reopening of Husein Sastranegara Airport represents far more than the resumption of flight operations. It marks an important milestone in the economic revival of Bandung and West Java. Strong collaboration between the central government, local governments, the private sector, and the community is expected to transform the airport into a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation, tourism development, and regional competitiveness in the years ahead.

[SOURCE]

Investment Realization in Bandung Regency Increases by IDR 703 Billion

PIKIRAN RAKYAT - Investment realization in Bandung Regency in 2025 exceeded 100.9% of the target. In terms of value, there was an increase of IDR 703 billion, or 7.83%, compared to the realization in 2024. The Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) continues to strive to increase investment realization. Head of the Bandung Regency DPMPTSP, Ben Indra Agusta, stated that investment realization in Bandung Regency in 2025 reached IDR 9.68 trillion. This figure consisted of IDR 6.86 trillion in domestic investment (PMDN) and IDR 2.82 trillion in foreign investment (PMA). "Investment realization in Bandung Regency in 2025 reached IDR 9.68 trillion, exceeding the target of IDR 9.61 trillion. Compared to IDR 8.98 trillion in 2024, investment realization in 2025 increased by IDR 703 billion. Percentage-wise, domestic investment contributed 70.85% to the 2025 realization. Meanwhile, foreign investment contributed 29.15%," said Ben, Wednesday (January 28, 2026). He revealed five sectors that contributed to investment realization in Bandung Regency in 2025. For the foreign investment group, these sectors are: the chemical and pharmaceutical industry with an investment value of IDR 663 billion; the food industry (IDR 554 billion); the rubber and plastics industry (IDR 522 billion); textiles (IDR 428 billion); and trade and repair (IDR 234 billion). Meanwhile, domestic investment (PMDN) is allocated to the textile industry at IDR 2.05 trillion, housing, industrial estates, and offices at IDR 1.71 trillion, other services at IDR 991 billion, trade and repairs at IDR 608 billion, and the food industry at IDR 366 billion. Continuous Upward Trend Ben stated that investment value in Bandung Regency continues to rise year after year, particularly PMDN. He stated that PMDN realization has been steadily increasing since 2021. "PMDN realization continues to grow, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. PMDN realization reached IDR 1.23 trillion in 2021, continuing to rise, reaching IDR 6.86 trillion in 2025. General investment (PMDN and FDI) has also continued to rise since 2021," he said. "These regulations include clear and comprehensive spatial planning regulations in the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) and Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR), as well as Regent Regulation Number 239 of 2025 concerning the Delegation of Authority for the Implementation of Licensing Services to the Head of the Bandung Regency DPMTSP," said Ben. Ben stated that he is ready to realize the investment target for 2026. To this end, his office is implementing several steps, including improving the submission of Investment Activity Reports and further exploring investment potential and opportunities. "We are also ready to conduct promotions to attract investors to invest in Bandung Regency," he said. [SOURCE]

Jan, 30 2026

Game On! West Java Provincial Government Unites Ecraf Players in Application, Game, and Animation Subsectors through COFEX

BANDUNG - The West Java Provincial Government continues to support the growth of 17 creative economy subsectors, including the development of applications, games, and animation. One form of support is realized in the COFEX (Conference & Exhibition) activity at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, August 21-24, 2024. The activity is a matchmaking momentum where ecraf actors can interact with industries, investors, business partners, or other stakeholders to open up opportunities for cooperation and investment. The event is packaged in a conference and exhibition or showcase of the application, game and animation subsectors. Head of the Tourism and Culture Office of West Java Province Benny Bachtiar said that the ecraf sector is one of the pillars driving the economy in West Java. Therefore, the presence of COFEX is expected to have a positive impact while strengthening the position of ekraf as a strategic sector in economic development by relying on pentahelix collaboration. “West Java is the leading province in creative economy development. Where the contribution of West Java ecraf GRDP contributed 20.73% to the national ecraf GRDP. Of the 17 ecraf subsectors, West Java has many superior potentials, one of which is animation, application and game developers,” said the Head of West Java Tourism and Culture representing PJ West Java Governor Bey Machmudin at the opening of COFEX, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. “This activity is expected to explore new potentials, facilitate strategic partnerships, and encourage the creation of brilliant innovations that can elevate the image of West Java in the creative industry arena,” he added. The presence of COFEX was also appreciated by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) through Assistant Deputy for Creative Economy Development Liz Zeny Merry. She hopes that this program can become a medium for collaboration and bring benefits to the West Java economy. “Appreciation for the event carried out at the initiation of the West Java Provincial Government in organizing the COFEX Application, Game and Animation event. I appreciate it because this is the future. The hope is that this event can establish collaboration between the game industry, large manufacturing industries, and create energy that brings benefits to the economy in the future, especially in West Java,” he said. In addition, this program is also implemented in order to support the acceleration of national game development in accordance with the mandate of Presidential Regulation Number 19 of 2024. This is also an effort to increase the partnership of creative economy players with the industrial world, and provide real support for the Proud to be Made in Indonesia campaign. “It is hoped that this activity can be a strategic step in answering the challenges of employment and the economy in West Java and preparing institutional human resources who are better prepared to face the future through new opportunities. After the implementation of COFEX, a relationship was established between large industries and creative economy players, especially the application, game and animation subsectors. We believe that the existence of these subsectors can accelerate the existing industry,” said the Head of Tourism Industry at Disparbud Jabar Rispiaga as the Chief Executive of COFEX Activities. COFEX 2024 was filled with seminar sessions related to the application, game and animation subsectors delivered by a number of expert speakers from Ainaki-Ayena Studio, Halofina (PT. Acceleration of International Education). Nightspade, AstraTech, Indigo, and automa.id. Furthermore, participants can also see exhibitions and demonstrations from five game studios, five animation studios, five application startups, and present a gameboard startup from West Java with the theme of gamification. The event was also enlivened by a performance from the Parahyangan Orchestra (Parchestra) of Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR) which performed game music soundtrack scores as a music subsector that supports the game industry. Also present at this event were representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf RI) and representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This event is also a series of activities from the excitement of West Java Festival 2024. SOURCE

Aug, 22 2024

100 Excellent West Java MSMEs Ready to Celebrate KKJ - 6th PKJB

Bandung, Sonora.ID - There will be 100 excellent Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java (Jabar) present and display a variety of superior products in the West Java Creative Works and West Java Craft Week (KKJ-PKJB) 2024 held for the sixth time at the Trans Convention Center TSM Bandung on June 28-30, 2024.KKJ-PKJB 2024 takes the theme 'Synergy to Strengthen Green Economy, Digital and Inclusive Finance and Investment Climate for Economic Independence', will present various craft products, fashion, culinary, and other premium creative industries. In his presentation, Deputy Head of Bank Indonesia Representative of West Java Province, Muslimin Anwar stated that the KKJ-PKJB 2024 event is a Road to Indonesian Creative Works (KKI) 2024 event. "Of course, we hope that this strategic flagship event can contribute to maintaining West Java inflation to stay within the target range of 2.5 plus 1 percent," said Muslimin in the Soft Opening of KKJ - PKJB 2024 which was coupled with the Bewara Jawa Barat (BEJA) event at Braga City Walk Bandung, Saturday (22/6/2024). "We also hope that this event can also encourage West Java's economic growth to remain strong, sustainable and inclusive in the range of 4.6% to 5.4% by the end of 2024," he said. "There is also support for West Java's sustainable economic growth to be strengthened not only in the development of MSMEs, especially green MSMEs, but also to be directed to encourage the digital financial economy, inclusiveness, and investment," he added. Muslimin further explained that the Green Economy concept carried out at KKJ-PKJB 2024 was further strengthened through the showcasing of green MSME products, green financing support for green MSMEs, appreciation and webinars for green MSMEs, to the utilization of a circular economy through the Zero Waste Event concept. In addition, this event also supports inclusive digitalization through the QRIS Jelajah Indonesia program, digitalization of payment systems through QRIS to digital population services and vehicle tax payments. These things are also coupled with the West Java Industrial Meeting (WJIM), as a forum for disseminating Macroprudential Liquidity Policy (KLM) and Local Currency Transaction (LCT) for business people to maintain financial stability, encourage the realization of bank financing, increase investment realization and and maintain exchange rate stability. He said, apart from being the right place for the people of West Java to shop for premium quality MSME products typical of West Java, the KKJ-PKJB 2024 event also included various interesting competitions that could be participated in by the community. "Don't forget, in this series of events there is a processed food cooking competition with Chef Lord Adi, the Cinta Bangga Paham Rupiah Championship competition for high school level, a fashion show competition for banking employees in West Java titled 'Ngabaraya Fashion Walk' to the 'West Java Fashion Designer Competition," said Muslimin. It is known that KKJ-PKJB 2024 will be colored with various interactive booths and consumer literacy education sessions in accessing financial services and payments, and there will be entertainment by Kahitna and Yura Yunita. In addition to the various attractions and entertainment prepared, on the tourism side, KKJ-PKJB 2024 also specifically held West Java Tourism Talk (WJTT), an interactive talk show that will dissect the potential and challenges of West Java tourism to become a source of new economic growth. (SOURCE)

Jun, 24 2024

West Java Legislature Calls for More Balanced Investment Distribution Across the Province

DPRD has called for a more balanced distribution of investment across the province, warning against excessive concentration in a handful of regions, despite West Java's investment realization in 2025 nearing Rp300 trillion. Chair of Commission III of the West Java DPRD, Jajang Rohana, said the impressive achievement must be maintained, but its benefits should be shared more equitably among districts and cities. Speaking in Bandung on Sunday, Jajang emphasized that exceeding the provincial investment target should not lead to complacency. Instead, he said the next priority is to ensure that incoming investments contribute to balanced regional development rather than simply boosting annual investment figures. According to Jajang, sustaining investment growth depends on three key factors: streamlined licensing procedures, legal certainty, and a stable business climate. These elements, he noted, play a crucial role in determining whether investors remain committed to West Java or choose to relocate their investments to regions perceived as more investment-ready. "To ensure investment does not decline, we must continue improving the ease of doing business, strengthen legal certainty, and maintain a conducive investment climate," Jajang said. He also stressed the importance of improving infrastructure and workforce quality. Both factors, he explained, are decisive considerations for investors, particularly in manufacturing industries that rely on efficient supply chains and skilled labor. Without adequate transportation networks, logistics, and human resources, investment is likely to remain concentrated in already-developed areas. "We must also continue enhancing infrastructure and workforce capacity," he added. Jajang stated that West Java's investment realization in 2025 had exceeded the provincial government's target, reaching nearly Rp300 trillion. According to him, this achievement has contributed to stronger economic growth compared to 2024. "In terms of investment, we have surpassed the target, and this has helped drive higher economic growth than in 2024," he said. For the business community, the strong investment performance signals that West Java remains one of Indonesia's most attractive investment destinations. For local communities, the benefits are expected to be reflected in increased employment opportunities, more vibrant industrial activities, and greater demand in supporting sectors such as trade, transportation, and logistics services. However, Jajang cautioned that economic growth should not remain concentrated in regions that have traditionally attracted the majority of investments. If capital continues to flow disproportionately into a limited number of areas, regional disparities could persist, leaving less-developed regions behind in terms of employment opportunities, business development, and public infrastructure. He explained that the manufacturing sector continues to serve as the backbone of West Java's economy, with industries such as automotive, electronics, and textiles making significant contributions to regional economic activity. Beyond manufacturing, infrastructure and transportation, wholesale trade, construction, and agriculture also play important roles in supporting the province's economic resilience, reinforcing West Java's position as one of Indonesia's leading economic hubs. Nevertheless, Jajang argued that strong economic growth alone is insufficient if its benefits are unevenly distributed. Investment concentrated in a few industrial centers risks widening development gaps by limiting employment opportunities, small business growth, and public service improvements in other regions. For this reason, the West Java DPRD is encouraging the provincial government to expand investment into a broader range of districts and municipalities. The objective is to ensure that economic growth reaches regions that have historically received a smaller share of investment. In a separate statement, Deputy Chair of Commission III of the West Java DPRD, M. Romli, also called for greater investment in the Rebana Metropolitan Area, which comprises the regencies and municipalities of Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, Kuningan, Subang, and Sumedang. He believes the region has the potential to become a new engine of economic growth capable of reducing development disparities with the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area. According to Romli, the Rebana region recorded approximately Rp36.68 trillion in investment in 2025. During the first quarter of 2026, through April, investment realization reached Rp6.5 trillion, accounting for 8.43 percent of West Java's total investment. He said these figures demonstrate growing investor confidence in the Rebana region, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and the expansion of industrial estates. Romli also highlighted the West Java DPRD's commitment to promoting green industrial development in Majalengka, leveraging the presence of Kertajati International Airport. "We are encouraging other regions, including Majalengka within the Rebana Metropolitan Area, to develop as green industrial zones while promoting a more balanced distribution of industrial growth across West Java," Romli said. Romli emphasized that the provincial legislature is not solely focused on achieving investment targets. More importantly, he said, the goal is to generate tangible economic benefits through lower unemployment, broader employment opportunities, and more equitable regional development. To achieve this, the DPRD continues to strengthen communication with prospective investors while promoting regional investment potential and improving infrastructure accessibility. The message from the West Java DPRD is clear: attracting substantial investment remains important, but ensuring its equitable distribution across the province is even more critical. Without a balanced flow of investment, the province risks widening regional disparities despite recording nearly Rp300 trillion in investment realization. [SOURCE]

Jun, 30 2026

Kertajati Airport Set to Become Indonesia's National Aerospace Industry Hub and Aircraft Flight Test Base

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Bandara Internasional Jawa Barat (BIJB) to develop Kertajati International Airport into Indonesia's national aerospace industry hub. The signing ceremony took place at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and was witnessed by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY). The partnership marks a strategic step toward strengthening Indonesia's aerospace industry ecosystem. Beyond utilizing Kertajati Airport as an aircraft flight testing site, PTDI plans to establish Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aircraft production lines, as well as manufacturing and aerostructure industrial zones. The West Java Provincial Government welcomed the collaboration. Representing West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development at the West Java Regional Secretariat Sumasna stated that the MoU represents more than a business agreement; it is part of a national strategy to strengthen Indonesia's manufacturing sector and high-technology industries. According to Sumasna, the partnership between PTDI and BIJB aligns with the national reindustrialization agenda and the economic transformation centered on airport-based development. "This MoU is more than an agreement between two institutions. It supports Indonesia's industrial reindustrialization agenda, strengthens the competitiveness of the national manufacturing sector, and advances the country's economic transformation through the synergy between aerospace manufacturing capabilities and airport-based economic development," Sumasna said. He noted that West Java's economy expanded by 5.39 percent in the first quarter of 2026, outperforming the national growth rate. The province also contributed 12.96 percent to Indonesia's economy, while the manufacturing sector accounted for 39.60 percent of West Java's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). "This MoU comes at a time when West Java's economy is demonstrating strong performance," he said. According to Sumasna, these figures reflect West Java's strong industrial, investment, and logistics foundations, making it well-positioned to develop an integrated aerospace ecosystem. "These strengths must be translated into strategic projects that generate added value for the national economy. Today's signing is a concrete step toward building an integrated and globally competitive aerospace ecosystem," he added. The provincial government believes that the collaboration between PTDI and BIJB will create opportunities for developing various strategic sectors, including MRO facilities, aerostructure manufacturing, and supporting industries. "We hope Kertajati will evolve beyond being merely an airport and become one of Indonesia's leading aerospace industry centers—one capable of attracting new investment, creating employment, strengthening the national industrial supply chain, and serving as a hub for innovation and technology transfer," Sumasna said. He also expressed hope that the partnership would be implemented consistently to deliver tangible benefits to the public while supporting national economic growth. "PTDI possesses extensive experience, advanced technological capabilities, and highly skilled human resources in the aerospace industry, while BIJB offers strategic land availability and excellent connectivity for future development," he added. PT Dirgantara Indonesia President Director Gita Amperiawan described the collaboration as a significant milestone in the company's business transformation. He explained that PTDI has long faced limitations in conducting aircraft flight tests at Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung because the runway no longer meets the requirements for testing next-generation aircraft. "We can no longer fly our UAVs in Bandung. This is our second UAV product, and more models are in development, but we cannot test them there. Every time we conduct a flight test, we have to travel to Pangandaran," Gita said. He noted that PTDI had previously conducted flight tests for its Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, which has a wingspan of approximately 16 meters, at Kertajati Airport. Likewise, the N219 aircraft requires a runway of approximately three kilometers for its maiden flight to meet aviation safety standards, while the runway in Bandung is no longer considered adequate. "The government's decision to allow PTDI to utilize Kertajati presents an extraordinary opportunity and momentum for the company," he said. PTDI aims to relocate all flight testing activities to Kertajati beginning in August 2026. The move is intended to enhance the operational readiness of the Indonesian National Armed Forces' (TNI) primary defense equipment in line with government targets. In addition to the MALE UAV and the N219 aircraft, all aircraft produced by PTDI will gradually undergo flight testing at Kertajati Airport. The new location will also eliminate the need for PTDI to wait for takeoff and landing slots, a challenge the company has frequently encountered in Bandung. Following the relocation of flight testing operations, PTDI will begin the second phase of development by constructing MRO facilities. The company estimates that the aerospace industrial estate will require between 150 and 200 hectares, accommodating four main sectors: aircraft manufacturing, MRO services, aerostructure production, and drone and aerospace technology development. During the third phase, PTDI also plans to relocate the production line for the N219 aircraft to Kertajati. "The third phase involves relocating our production lines to Kertajati, with the N219 expected to be the first aircraft production line to move," Gita said. He expressed confidence that Kertajati will develop into an integrated national aerospace hub, serving not only as an aircraft manufacturing center but also as a collaborative ecosystem involving industry, government agencies, universities, research institutions, and global partners. Currently, the development of the N219 aircraft already involves 19 domestic industries and three universities. "When PTDI eventually relocates to Kertajati, it will not be just our company that moves. An entire national aerospace ecosystem will grow alongside us. If this vision becomes reality, Indonesia will achieve greater resilience, self-reliance, and competitiveness in the aerospace industry," Gita concluded. [SOURCE]

Jul, 16 2026

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