Jakarta, February 11, 2026 — Indonesian fighter jets landed and took off from a toll road. Yes, you read that right. The Terpeka section of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road became a temporary runway for Indonesian Air Force aircraft, marking a first for the nation and raising eyebrows about infrastructure’s evolving role in national defense.
Toll Roads as Runways: A New Frontier for Indonesian Defense
Indonesia successfully tested the use of a toll road as an emergency runway for fighter jets, signaling a shift toward leveraging civilian infrastructure for national security.
- The Terpeka toll road segment (Terbanggi Besar–Pematang Panggang–Kayu Agung) hosted the historic landing and takeoff tests.
- An EMB-314 Super Tucano and an F-16 fighter jet participated in the drills.
- The tests aimed to bolster national preparedness by optimizing strategic infrastructure.
- Hutama Karya, the toll road operator, is adjusting the road median design to accommodate future emergency use.
“Using the toll road section as an emergency runway is a form of infrastructure optimization for the benefit of the state,” stated Mardiansyah, Executive Vice President Corporate Secretary of PT Hutama Karya (Persero). The successful tests, conducted on February 11, 2026, demonstrate a growing recognition of the need to adapt civilian assets for defense purposes.
Strengthening National Defense Through Infrastructure
Deputy Minister of Defense, Air Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, emphasized the significance of the event. “This test marks an important milestone in strengthening the nation’s defense system, particularly in preparing civilian infrastructure that can be used for defense purposes in emergencies.” The operation wasn’t just a demonstration; it was a practical assessment of operational readiness.
A: Absolutely. The Indonesian Air Force successfully landed and took off from the Terpeka Toll Road using both an EMB-314 Super Tucano and an F-16, proving the feasibility of utilizing this infrastructure in critical situations.
The two aircraft involved, the Super Tucano and the F-16, represent different facets of Indonesia’s air power. The Super Tucano, a turboprop, is utilized for air patrol, reconnaissance, and close air support, while the F-16 serves as a key component of the nation’s air defense. According to Taufanto, the tests weren’t a mere spectacle but an integral part of a broader national defense strategy.
Operational Adjustments and Future Plans
Hutama Karya is already planning adjustments to the Terpeka Toll Road’s median design to facilitate future emergency landings and takeoffs. The company confirmed that the segment from the Lambu Kibang Toll Gate (KM 202+036) to the Simpang Pematang Toll Gate (KM 239+907) fully reopened to normal traffic flow at 3:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time) on February 11, 2026.
“With the reopening of this segment, toll road operations are now running normally and can be traversed in accordance with applicable regulations,” Mardiansyah added. “We urge all road users to continue to comply with signs and the instructions of officers in the field to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.”
Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti highlighted the broader strategic value of toll roads, noting their potential to support not only connectivity but also wider national interests. “Thank God. Thank you for the safe landing test of fighter jets on this toll road segment. We will use this as a reference,” she stated on February 12, 2026.
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