Fighter jets landing highlights toll road's strategic role: Ministry

 The Ministry of Public Works highlighted the strategic value of toll roads after Indonesian Air Force fighter jets successfully conducted landing and takeoff tests on the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road 

Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti emphasized that the tests on the Terbanggi Besar-Pematang Panggang-Kayu Agung (Terpeka) section prove that infrastructure supports both connectivity and broader national interests.

"Thank you for the safe landing test of fighter jets on this toll road segment. We will use it as a reference. Thank you," Kusumastuti remarked in a statement on Wednesday.

The exercise, involving an F-16 and an EMB-314 Super Tucano at KM 228-KM 231 in Lampung Province, marked Indonesia's first-ever jet landing on a toll road.

Deputy Minister of Defense Vice Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto called the milestone crucial for emergency readiness.

Taufanto explained that using civilian infrastructure for defense ensures operations can continue if main airbases are disrupted. The F-16 serves as the vanguard of national defense, while the Super Tucano is utilized for reconnaissance and close air support.

He emphasized that this test was not merely a demonstration but part of a broader national defense concept that involves all elements, including civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Defense Ministry will be preparing a roadmap to design several toll roads and national roads in various regions of Indonesia to meet technical specifications for emergency runways.

"This concept is crucial for maintaining defense readiness in the country," Taufanto added.

With numerous alternative landing points, fighter jet operations can continue even if the main base is disrupted, he pointed out.

He said that his ministry will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Public Works and toll road operators to ensure compliance with emergency runway technical standards.

"In toll road construction, we will adjust the specifications to meet the requirements for runways. This is part of the national defense roadmap," he stated.