Indonesia Air Force tests East Java toll road as alternative runway

Probolinggo, East Java (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) conducted take-off and landing exercises on a three-kilometer stretch of the Pasuruan–Probolinggo Toll Road in East Java to assess its suitability as an alternative runway.

"This exercise forms part of TNI AU's efforts to test operational readiness and our capability to utilize existing infrastructure in regions, particularly toll roads, as alternative runways for air force operations," Air Force Chief of Staff Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono said.

Speaking in Probolinggo on Thursday, Harjono said the drills involved two Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft from Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base in Malang and two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from Iswahjudi Air Base in Madiun.

The aircraft successfully executed take-offs and landings on the 24-meter-wide toll road section, he added.

Harjono noted that the exercise followed a similar training mission conducted on the Terbanggi Besar Toll Road in Lampung on Feb. 11, 2026.

He explained that toll roads serve as alternative runways only under contingency situations, emphasizing that public safety and infrastructure use remain top priorities.

"For example, we may turn to toll roads and other local infrastructure as alternatives when existing runways, airports, or air bases can no longer be used for air force operations," Harjono said.

He added that TNI AU has identified several other toll roads for future drills, including the Cibinong–Cilincing Toll Road and a planned toll road in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

"Going forward, we will continue coordinating with the Public Works Ministry on toll road development and mapping so that selected toll roads can be prepared as alternative runways to support air force operations," Harjono said.

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Translator: Astrid/Fahmi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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