The reactivation plan is considered an important moment to revive the economic pulse of Bandung City, the hospitality sector, tourism transportation, and trade services. The impact is not limited to Pasar Baru traders.
The impact is not limited to Pasar Baru traders but also spreads to the hospitality sector, tourism transportation, and trade services in Bandung and its surrounding areas.
„If Husein Airport is reopened, this could move the city’s economy again. Hotels will not have difficulty finding guests, travel businesses will be busy again, and traders will more easily get buyers,“ the statement was made at Bandung City Hall.
Pasar Baru, known as a shopping center for Muslim clothing and textile products, is a favorite destination for foreign tourists, especially from Malaysia.
Before the closure of Husein Airport, at least 100 to 200 Malaysian tourists visited Pasar Baru every day, with a significant surge on weekends. However, since the route was diverted to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, tourist visits have dropped drastically by 90 percent.
„Tourists still exist now, but they have difficulties. From Cengkareng, they must continue their journey by land to Bandung, taking more time and cost,“ was explained.
An airline from Malaysia has even expressed interest in reopening the Kuala Lumpur-Bandung and Penang-Bandung routes.
„If it is reopened, Pasar Baru will clearly get added value. Foreign tourists are very interested in buying Muslim clothing, from prayer robes, hijabs, to men’s tunics,“ it was said.
The reactivation of Husein Airport is a strategic step to improve the business climate while strengthening the sector.
„If it operates again, the impact is not only for Pasar Baru but for the economy of Bandung City as a whole. Traders can breathe, hotels are filled, tourism transportation comes back to life,“ it was stated.
Husein Airport
Husein Airport, also known as Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO), is the primary airport serving the city of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. It was originally a military airfield built by the Dutch colonial government in the 1920s. The airport is named after Husein Sastranegara, an Indonesian Air Force officer and national hero.
Pasar Baru
Pasar Baru is one of Jakarta’s oldest markets, established by the Dutch colonial government in 1820. Originally catering to European elites, it has evolved into a vibrant commercial hub famous for its textiles, tailors, and diverse culinary offerings. The market’s long history reflects the cultural and economic development of the city itself.
Bandung City
Bandung is the capital of West Java, Indonesia, famously nicknamed the „Paris of Java“ for its European-style art deco architecture and vibrant café culture, a legacy of its establishment as a planned city by Dutch colonialists in the 19th century. It is historically significant as the host of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, a pivotal meeting of post-colonial states. Today, it is a major creative and educational hub, renowned for its university, fashion outlets, and stunning volcanic mountain scenery.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) is Indonesia’s primary international gateway, located in Jakarta. Named after the country’s first president and vice-president, it was officially opened in 1985 to replace the overburdened Kemayoran Airport. The airport is renowned for its design, which incorporates traditional Indonesian architectural elements and lush garden courtyards.
Kuala Lumpur-Bandung route
The Kuala Lumpur-Bandung route is a major transportation corridor connecting the capitals of Malaysia and Indonesia’s West Java province. Historically a vital air and trade link, it was dramatically upgraded in 2023 with the launch of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities. This modern infrastructure project symbolizes the growing economic integration and connectivity within the ASEAN region.
Penang-Bandung route
The Penang-Bandung route refers to the historical air connection between Malaysia and Indonesia, famously established in the 1950s. It is most notably associated with the airline Garuda Indonesia, which used it as a key international route in its early years. This air link played a significant role in fostering diplomatic and economic ties between the two newly independent nations.
Bandung City Hall
Bandung City Hall, known as Balai Kota Bandung, is a prominent historical and administrative building constructed during the Dutch colonial era in the 1930s. It was designed in the Art Deco architectural style by renowned Dutch architect, Ir. E.H. de Roo. Today, it serves as the official office of the mayor and a central landmark in the city.
Cengkareng
Cengkareng is a district in West Jakarta, Indonesia, historically known as a significant agricultural area and for its role as a major gateway to the city. Its history is deeply tied to the development of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which was built on its land and transformed it from rural farmland into a bustling urban and industrial hub. Today, it is a densely populated area defined by its proximity to the airport and its mix of residential and commercial zones.
