July 16th, 2026
IAe and BIJB Build Kertajati Aerospace Hub, Set to Boost National Aerospace Industry
Bandung, BandungOke – Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) has partnered with PT Bandarudara Internasional Jawa Barat (BIJB) Kertajati to develop an aerospace industrial zone on the western side of Kertajati Airport, Majalengka.
This move is a key strategy to expand IAe's production capacity while strengthening the national aerospace industry ecosystem.
The agreement was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by IAe President Director Gita Amperiawan and BIJB Acting Director Ronald H. Sinaga at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/7/2026).
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the government wants Kertajati to grow not only as an airport, but also as a national aerospace industry center.
"Today we are witnessing the signing of the MoU between IAe and BIJB as part of a joint commitment to develop Kertajati into a national aerospace industry hub," AHY said, as quoted on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
He added, "If not us, then who? We have the capability, we have the industry, we just need to work out how to create the market. Developed countries always start by backing their own domestic industries before they're able to compete in the global market."
The collaboration covers the development of manufacturing facilities, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), aerostructures, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In the initial phase, Kertajati Airport's runway will be used for test flights of IAe-produced fixed wing, rotary wing, and unmanned aircraft.
IAe President Director Gita Amperiawan expressed confidence that the zone could become a driving force for the national aerospace industry.
"We are very confident that a robust national aerospace industry can be built here in Kertajati. There will be manufacturing, MRO, and aerostructures, and of course this will become a collaboration between industry, central government, regional government, and global partners," he said.
The development of this zone also supports the increase in IAe's production capacity following orders for the procurement of 80 CN235 aircraft and 30 N219 aircraft.
Beyond accelerating the commercialization of the N219, the project is expected to strengthen the supply chain, boost investment, create jobs, ?and enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesia's aerospace industry.
Source: https://bandungoke.com/2026/07/16/ptdi-dan-bijb-bangun-aerospace-hub-kertajati-siap-dongkrak-industri-dirgantara-nasional/