R

ecent incidents of international passengers being dropped off at domestic terminals in Jakarta and Bali, busts on transnational crime syndicates and terror attacks on transportation hubs elsewhere in the world should compel Indonesian authorities to enhance airport security.

The Jakarta Post’s observations and interviews with authorities, lawmakers and observers have revealed vulnerabilities at airports that the government should immediately address.

Inconsistencies in security standards among the hundreds of airports across the country, poor coordination between responsible authorities, outdated air traffic control systems, staff shortages and an imbalance between passenger growth and infrastructure development are but some of the major problems.

Although terror attacks on airports and airplanes are admittedly rare in Indonesia, it is no reason for authorities to be complacent. Respected terrorism observer Al Chaidar has warned that airports and aircraft are highly tempting targets to homegrown militants.

“If they [radicals] have the logistics and weapons, they will do it; it’s a question of timing. Think of ways to minimize casualties,” he says.

In Jakarta, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s overcapacity has forced the government to move some commercial flights to the Air Force air base at Halim Perdanakusuma, despite the obvious security risks.

In the regions, airport security is far from adequate. In small towns, airports are wide open for both people and cattle to roam around. In 2013, a Lion Air Boeing 737-8000 ran off the runway after it struck a cow in Gorontalo, northern Sulawesi. At the Indonesian Flying School in Curug, near Jakarta, a training plane hit a motorcycle that was trespassing on the airstrip as it was landing.

International passengers entering a country without fulfilling immigration procedures as well as livestock and motorcycles moving freely around airports are like elements of a tragicomedy that happen only in Indonesia.

Last month’s attack on an Istanbul airport prompted Indonesian authorities to beef up airport security too. State airport operator Angkasa Pura II has also promised to reform coordination between the police, the military, immigration and customs and excise. — JP