Indonesia inaugurates new air base in Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport

It was proposed to build a shelter suitable for at least 4 F-16 fighters of the TNI-AU in Hang Nadim Airport complex. Photo c/o Asian Defense News page.


The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) a new air base within the Hang Nadim International Airport complex in Batam Island, to maintain airspace security and defense in the region, as well as maintaining the increase flight operations of the air force from the airport.

TNI-AU Chief of Staff Marshal Yuyu Sutisna led the inauguration rights on 4 July 2019, and appointed Lt. Col. Urip Widodo was the air base’s first commander.

The airport experienced increased flight operations tempo from air force aircraft, which reached 596 sorties including surveillance, navigation training, VIP and VVIP flights, and support for TNI-AU  exercises such as the Angkasa Yudha and Tutuka.

It was also reported last year that shelters for TNI-AU aircraft will built in cooperation with the Batam Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) in preparation for Indonesia’s take-over of the Riau Island province’s Flight Information Region (FIR) from Singapore this year.

Singapore has been overseeing flight information over the air space above Riau Islands including Batam Island since 1946.


[1] Indonesian Air Force News
[2] Straits Times

Indonesia inaugurates new air base in Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport Indonesia inaugurates new air base in Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on July 09, 2019 Rating: 5

No comments