Future transportation: A new chapter for national aviation
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Bisnis Indonesia - Transportasi masa depan: Babak baru aviasi nasional
30 July 2024
By M. Mutawallie Syarawie
Indonesia is embarking on a new era in transportation following the successful test of a 'flying taxi' in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. This development places Indonesia among the many countries exploring advanced air mobility as a solution for urban transportation.
The trial of the Hyundai Sky Taxi was successfully conducted at APT Pranoto Airport on Monday at 10am Central Indonesian Time (WITA). The test involved an unmanned aircraft without passengers. Typically, advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft have a capacity of five people, including four passengers and one pilot.
Green and Digital Transformation Deputy of Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) Mohammed Ali Berawi stated that the tested sky taxi was an unmanned model. He is collaborating with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and research institutions to further develop this urban air mobility (UAM) facility.
“Further technical studies are still required, especially in terms of safety and feasibility,” he said on Monday (29/7).
During the trial, the sky taxi reached speeds of up to 50 km/h and an altitude of 50 meters. It flew in a figure-eight pattern for 10 minutes before landing.
He explained that the development of sky taxi technology in Nusantara Capital City (IKN) would focus on four main aspects, namely technological reliability, interoperability, value for money, and transferability.
“Our principle is to avoid business as usual, we need breakthroughs and innovations. This proof of concept (POC) demonstrates that a new technology can be developed in Indonesia, particularly in IKN.,” he explained.
The development concept in IKN that involves foreign partners is based on the principle of 'growing together.' Indonesia aims to be not just a market but also a producer and consumer of these technologies. "This is why one of the key points in the MoU with Hyundai is the establishment of a technology centre in IKN."
Additionally, his agency is developing the Nusantara Knowledge Hub, which will involve national and international universities as well as local technology providers.
Berawi emphasised the importance of developing hardware, software, and ‘brainware’ in the development of IKN.
“The technologies must be owned and produced by Indonesia. This includes not just physical construction, but also the development of human resources and business capacities,” he stated.
Furthermore, besides Hyundai, the IKN Authority has also established partnerships with investors from other countries, such as China and South Korea. They are also currently exploring cooperation with the United States. He added that each partnership is based on the principle of equal benefits for all parties involved.
Ali added that the next mode of transportation to be tested in IKN was the autonomous rail transit system. "The autonomous rail system, which is already available in Balikpapan, is currently awaiting further steps to be transferred to IKN," he stated.
Hyundai collaboration
Meanwhile, PTDI has announced plans to collaborate with Hyundai to develop aircraft technologies. This represents a significant breakthrough in the national aviation industry.
PTDI Commerce, Technology, and Development Director Moh. Arif Faisal stated that this collaboration not only enhanced the company's capabilities as an aircraft producer, but also strengthened the synergy between both companies in navigating rapid technological advancements.
“We see this collaboration as a strategic step. As an aircraft producer, we are capable of producing large aircraft, so there is no reason why we cannot make smaller ones,” he stated.
Arif emphasised the importance of quality and interoperability, ensuring that each investment provides appropriate value.
PTDI and Hyundai share a common vision for collaboration, which he believes is more beneficial than competing. "Through this partnership, we can optimise each other's strengths. For instance, PTDI can focus on the airframe, while Hyundai can support the development of other technologies," he explained.
This collaboration is expected to have a long-term positive impact. "Technologies will continue to evolve over the next 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. With this partnership, we are prepared to meet these challenges," he stated.
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