The Ministry of Transportation is eyeing seaplane transportation as a new form of luxury travel in Indonesia post-pandemic. The ministry's Transportation Human Resources Development Agency is developing a specialized pilot training course for seaplanes in Banyuwangi. Indonesia’s geographic landscape sparked this fresh interest in seaplane transportation. Sugihardjo, Head of the ministry’s Human Resources Development Agency for Indonesian Transportation, said seaplane transportation is suitable for tourism in an archipelagic country. He added that should all areas across Indonesia have an airport, the fee will be too costly and that travelers cannot directly make their way to their intended tourist destination. “But if they use a seaplane, they will directly find themselves at their intended destination.” Sugihardjo said that seaplane transportation would be a type of luxury travel in Indonesia and must be in line with the regulations set forth by the Director-General of Air Connectivity at the Ministry of Transportation.
Some of the regulations include landing and takeoff areas. “Seaplanes are forbidden from stopping at random points. The location must consider the wind speed and height of the waves during a period of western wind when landing. In doing so, the areas suitable for a seaplane business can be identified.” Sugihardjo explained that thus far, the ministry's Research and Development Agency has identified 5-10 locations suitable for seaplanes. “In Banyuwangi, there are two locations: The beach or a designated reservoir for tourism.”
Sugihardjo highlighted that seaplane transportation is a form of luxury travel in Indonesia. Heri Sudarmadji, Head of the Aviation Human Resources Development Center, said that his team is still drawing up a curriculum, instructors, and plane units. “There must be approval from the factory to install the equipment for seaplanes.”
