A Conditio Sine Qua Non for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world, possessing a vast, dispersed territory with highly diverse geographical characteristics. Thousands of islands separated by seas, towering mountain ranges, dense forests, and remote regions that are difficult to access make connectivity a fundamental necessity for the nation. In this context, the National Air Transportation System stands as a conditio sine qua non, an indispensable prerequisite for safeguarding national unity, sovereignty, and prosperity. This system is not merely a mode of transportation, it is a strategic foundation sustaining the existence of a modern archipelagic state.
Unifying the Territory and Strengthening National Integration
As an archipelagic country, the effectiveness of national integration is largely determined by the ability to connect all regions swiftly and continuously. Air transportation enables the mobility of people, goods, and information across geographical barriers that cannot be optimally overcome by land or sea transport. In many remote areas, aircraft are the only means capable of breaking isolation and manifesting the tangible presence of the state.
Air connectivity shortens distances between regions, facilitates social and economic interaction, and reinforces national identity. The existence of an integrated aviation network from provincial to national levels ensures that no region is left behind in the course of development. Thus, the national air transportation system functions as a “bridge in the sky,” uniting the archipelago into a cohesive political and social entity.
Sovereignty of Airspace and National Defense Strategy
State sovereignty applies not only on land and at sea, but fully and unequivocally in the airspace above national territory. The Republic of Indonesia must exercise complete sovereignty over its entire airspace without exception. No portion of national airspace should be delegated to foreign aviation authorities in any form, as sovereignty in the air inherently requires comprehensive and effective control by the state itself.
Air sovereignty encompasses three fundamental elements. First, control of the air, meaning the state’s ability to control and supervise all aviation activities within its airspace. Second, use of airspace, namely the full authority to regulate, manage, and utilize airspace for national interests, both civil and military. Third, law enforcement, which refers to the capacity to enforce laws against any violations, including breaches of aviation safety, airspace infringements, and security threats.
If any of these three elements is not entirely under national authority, sovereignty becomes incomplete. Therefore, strengthening the National Air Transportation System must be directed toward building national capacity in air navigation services, radar systems, communications, air traffic management, and the development of professional and highly competent human resources. In this way, the management of national airspace is genuinely conducted by the Indonesian nation itself as a concrete and indivisible manifestation of sovereignty, particularly through the strengthening of the national air transportation network.
Economic Driver, Public Service Instrument, and Disaster Response Backbone
In the economic sphere, air transportation plays a central role in driving growth and ensuring equitable development. Adequate air access opens investment opportunities, strengthens the tourism sector, and facilitates interregional logistics distribution. For remote regions, pioneer flights serve as a crucial instrument to reduce price disparities for essential goods, which can be fifty to eighty percent higher than in developed areas. With strong connectivity, national economic circulation becomes more inclusive and equitable.
Beyond economics, the national air transportation system carries a vital humanitarian dimension. In many remote areas, aircraft are often the only access to healthcare and education services. Medical evacuations, distribution of medicines, deployment of health workers and teachers, and the delivery of government administrative services depend heavily on air transport. This underscores the system’s direct role in ensuring the fulfillment of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Indonesia is also situated in a disaster-prone region. In emergencies such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, major floods, or social conflicts, air transportation becomes the fastest means to deliver logistical aid, deploy rescue personnel, and evacuate victims. The speed of response is decisive in saving lives and ensuring effective crisis management, making the readiness of the national air transportation system an integral component of national resilience.
The strengthening of the National Air Transportation System must be undertaken gradually and systematically. Drawing from past experience, development should begin at the provincial level through the operation of small-capacity aircraft, approximately ten to twelve passengers to serve pioneer and remote routes. The next stage involves enhancing interprovincial and intercity connectivity using medium-capacity aircraft such as the CN-235, which is well suited for regional routes. Subsequently, major corridors connecting national economic growth centers can be served by larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737, thereby forming a layered network that integrates the entire territory into a unified system.
The National Air Transportation System is a strategic foundation for a united, sovereign, and prosperous Indonesia. It unifies a dispersed territory, safeguards airspace sovereignty, drives economic activity, ensures equitable public services, and stands at the forefront of disaster response. Without a strong and sustainable air transportation system, the aspiration to realize a cohesive and advanced archipelagic state will be difficult to achieve.
Jakarta, 18 February 2026
Chappy Hakim
Indonesia Center for Air Power Studies
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