Kertajati International Airport

The Architectural Grandeur of Kertajati International Airport: West Java's Sky Gateway

Kertajati International Airport (KJT), officially known as West Java International Airport (BIJB), is more than just an ordinary air transportation infrastructure. Situated on 1,800 hectares of land in Majalengka Regency, this building stands as a monument of modern architecture, celebrating the intersection of aviation technology advancement and the rich culture of the Sundanese people. As the second-largest airport in Indonesia after Soekarno-Hatta, Kertajati represents West Java's ambition to possess an iconic global gateway.

#

Design Philosophy: Reinterpretation of Peacocks and Natural Wealth

Visually, the most striking element of Kertajati Airport is the passenger terminal roof design that resembles the spread wings of a Peacock. The choice of this motif is not without reason; the Peacock is a symbol of beauty, majesty, and pride in West Javanese culture, also immortalized in the Merak Dance.

Kertajati's architecture adopts a Neo-Vernacular style, where modern design principles are combined with local elements. The dynamically curved roof structure not only serves as an aesthetic feature but is also designed to channel air aerodynamics and efficiently manage rainwater runoff in a tropical climate. This undulating form creates a dramatic silhouette when viewed from the air, as if a giant bird is preparing to take off from the rice fields of Majalengka.

#

Historical Context and Development Vision

The development of Kertajati is a national strategic project conceived to alleviate the congestion at Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, which is geographically constrained by mountainous terrain. The project began intensive work in 2015 and was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in May 2018.

Behind its grandeur lies a collaboration between the West Java Provincial Government through PT BIJB and various national architectural and construction consultants. The presence of this airport is designed as the main anchor of the "Rebana Metropolitan" area, a vision for new economic development in the eastern corridor of West Java. Its construction involved massive civil engineering, including land reclamation and the construction of a 3,000-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380.

#

Structural and Material Innovations

Structurally, Kertajati Airport uses a wide-span steel frame system to create spacious interior areas without many supporting columns (column-free space). This provides high flexibility in managing passenger flow and commercial areas.

The use of transparent glass material (curtain wall) dominates the building's facade, allowing maximum natural light to enter the terminal. This natural lighting strategy is part of the Green Airport concept, which aims to reduce electricity consumption during the day. Additionally, metallic-colored aluminum composite panels provide a futuristic impression that contrasts yet harmonizes with the surrounding green landscape.

#

Cultural Representation in the Interior

Upon entering the interior area, visitors are greeted by an atmosphere rich in West Javanese nuances. One unique element is the use of the "Mega Mendung" ornament—a distinctive Cirebon batik motif—applied at several strategic points such as the ceiling and room partitions. The use of this motif provides a strong local identity, reminding passengers that they are in the heart of Cirebon-Dharmasraya culture.

The terminal ceiling is designed to be high to create good air circulation and a sense of grandeur. The geometric patterns on the ceiling not only serve as decorative elements but also as a sound-absorbing system (acoustic treatment) to minimize noise within the waiting area.

#

Visitor Experience and Modern Facilities

As a world-class airport, Kertajati offers an intuitive user experience. Departure and arrival flows are clearly separated to avoid bottlenecks. The boarding lounge facilities are designed for maximum comfort, equipped with ergonomic furniture and retail areas showcasing local West Javanese MSME products.

One unique feature rarely found in other airports is the integration of facilities for Hajj and Umrah flights. Given that West Java has the largest jamaah base in Indonesia, Kertajati is designed with special waiting areas and supporting facilities that facilitate the simultaneous departure of large numbers of pilgrims.

#

Social and Economic Significance

The presence of Kertajati Airport has transformed Majalengka from an agricultural area into a hub of international connectivity. Socially, this building has become a symbol of pride for the people of West Java. Architecturally, it serves as a precedent for how large-scale public buildings can retain their local soul amidst the currents of global modernization.

Although it faced occupancy challenges in its early years of operation, the full activation of the Cileunyi–Sumedang–Dawuan (Cisumdawu) Toll Road has now become the lifeline that animates this airport. Improved accessibility makes Kertajati's architectural beauty increasingly accessible to the wider public, not just as a transit point, but as an architectural tourism destination.

#

Conclusion

Kertajati International Airport is a fusion of civil engineering prowess and the subtle art of Sundanese culture. With its iconic "Peacock Wing" roof, robust steel structure, and meaningful interior details, this building is more than just a place to board and alight from planes. It is a statement of West Java's vision for the future—a wide, modern gateway that remains firmly rooted in its local traditions. Kertajati stands as proof that infrastructure advancement can go hand in hand with the preservation of cultural identity.