Transportation Ministry continues pioneer air transportation programme in 2025
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Kemenhub lanjutkan program angkutan udara perintis 2025
17 January 2025
By Ichsan Amin
Jakarta, ID – The Transportation Ministry is resuming the pioneer air transportation programme this year to ensure connectivity to underdeveloped, frontier, outermost, and border (3TP) areas. This initiative is marked by the handover of contracts to service providers in the air transportation sector.
Acting Air Transportation Director General Lukman F. Laisa emphasised that the pioneer air transportation programme remains a priority, as it is crucial for supporting accessibility in 3TP areas.
"As an archipelago, Indonesia faces complex geographical challenges. The pioneer air transportation programme aims to promote balanced development, boost the economy, bridge gaps, and reduce price disparities," Lukman stated in Jakarta on Thursday (16/1/2025).
According to the government’s 2024 decision on pioneer air transportation, this year includes 22 territory coordinators overseeing 266 pioneer passenger routes, 46 pioneer cargo routes, and one subsidised cargo air transportation route.
The number of routes has increased compared to 2024, which had only two passenger routes and two cargo routes. However, the subsidised cargo air transportation route remains unchanged.
“The increased number of routes reflects the government’s commitment to expanding accessibility, boosting local economies and tourism, and strengthening resilience in 3TP areas,” he stated.
The programme involves several air transportation business entities, such as PT ASI Pudjiastuti Aviation, PT Asian One Air, PT Nasional Global Aviasi, PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation, PT Trigana Air Service, and PT AMA.
Additionally, support for pioneer jet fuel drum transportation is provided by PT Cadik Nusantara Cargo, PT Mega Basana Nusantara, and PT Avia Oktaviani Perkasa.
Acting Director General Lukman also confirmed the development of an e-purchasing/e-catalogue system for all pioneer air transportation activities, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the programme's implementation.
"The system is expected to enhance efficiency in managing future programmes," Lukman added. He also emphasised that the implementation of this programme prioritises flight safety, security, and comfort.
In September 2024, the Transportation Ministry received an additional budget of Rp6.69 trillion for the fiscal year 2025. Of this amount, Rp1.4 trillion has been earmarked for enhancing pioneer air transportation facilities, ensuring flight safety and security, and developing land-side facilities at the IKN VVIP airport.
Market issue
Aviation observer Gerry Soejatman noted that the ongoing pioneer air transportation programme remains essential for remote regions. However, he emphasised the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the programme to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency.
"This programme acts as a catalyst for regional development, encouraging regular airlines to see these areas as viable markets. However, if these regions remain stagnant and require continuous subsidies, it indicates a lack of development," he told Investor Daily.
Gerry noted that Indonesia's vast landscape means there are many remote regions that cannot be subsidised indefinitely. "The evaluation must assess the development and progress of these regions. There needs to be something of value to attract airlines. If certain areas remain underdeveloped and still require subsidies, then those funds should be redirected to other regions that have not yet received support," he explained.
Another aviation observer, Gatot Rahardjo, emphasised the importance of evaluating the pioneer air transportation programme. He pointed out that the annual contract model currently in place is insufficient to guarantee consistent flight services to certain regions. Moreover, he stressed the need for clearer regulations and responsibilities to ensure the programme's effectiveness.
"Regulations and responsibilities must be clearly defined. For instance, aircraft operations should be compatible with runway specifications. Large aircraft should not be forced to land on short runways," he explained.
Gatot also pointed out discrepancies in navigation and airport costs, noting that these expenses are not aligned with the services provided for pioneer flights. "The costs for pioneer flight airlines are significantly higher compared to commercial flights. It is important not to equate the two," he added.
Aeronautical information distribution function handed over to Airnav
Meanwhile, the Transportation Ministry has officially transferred the responsibilities for the publication, storage, and distribution of aeronautical information to Airnav Indonesia, the designated flight navigation service provider.
This strategic move aims to enhance flight safety and efficiency while aligning with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Acting Air Transportation Director General Lukman F. Laisa noted that, up until now, the responsibility for publishing and distributing aeronautical information has been managed by the Air Transportation Directorate General, in line with Transportation Minister Regulation Number 111 of 2018 regarding PKPS 175 on Aeronautical Information Services.
"However, with the introduction of Transportation Minister Regulation Number PM 9 of 2023, which replaces PM 111 of 2018, adjustments are necessary," Acting Director General Lukman stated.
He explained that this transfer is part of Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing flight navigation safety and quality, in accordance with ICAO's recommendations. The shift to Airnav Indonesia is intended to streamline operations and improve the overall management of aeronautical information.
"Additionally, this shift in responsibilities is a crucial step in preparing for the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) by ICAO, which evaluates a country's flight safety based on international standards," noted Acting Air Transportation Director General Lukman F. Laisa.
The aeronautical information publication, storage, and distribution service is vital for ensuring flight safety and efficiency. By transferring this responsibility to Airnav Indonesia, which possesses the necessary technical expertise and resources, the service is anticipated to become more integrated and precise.
"By transferring this function, Indonesia has demonstrated its full commitment to realizing a safe, efficient, and internationally standardised aviation system," Lukman added.
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