West Java Province Plans Strategic Airport Share Swap

Accelerating Kertajati Development Through Central Government Management

The West Java Provincial Government is considering divesting its majority stake in Kertajati International Airport through a share swap deal with the central government. The proposed transaction involves transferring provincial ownership in Kertajati to the central government, while the province would gain control over Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung.

Rationale Behind the Share Swap Plan

Dedi Mulyadi, Head of West Java's Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), explained that this strategic move is intended to accelerate Kertajati's development by having the central government take full control of the airport's management. The provincial government believes that central government oversight would bring more resources and expertise to the airport's expansion plans.

Planned Implementation Timeline

The share swap is tentatively scheduled for 2027, pending further negotiations between the provincial and central governments. The West Java government views this as a rational step to ensure Kertajati's successful development while protecting provincial interests in other strategic assets.

Implications for Airport Management and Development

This potential restructuring could have significant implications for both Kertajati and Husein Sastranegara airports. For Kertajati, central government management is expected to bring more substantial investment and operational expertise. For Husein Airport, provincial control could lead to more region-specific development strategies.