Tanjung Lesung Tourism Zone to launch aerosports venues by end of 2026
The Tanjung Lesung Tourism Special Economic Zone in Banten is preparing to open new aerosport facilities, including skydiving and recreational aviation venues, with operations expected to commence in December. The development marks a significant expansion for Indonesia's pioneering tourism SEZ, which spans 1,500 hectares approximately 170 km southwest of Jakarta in Tanjungjaya Village, Panimbang District, Pandeglang Regency.
Operational Director of PT Banten West Java (BWJ) Kunto Wijoyo, who also heads Salakanagara Tanjung Lesung Airport, outlined the scope of construction work. The main infrastructure projects include creating a nine-hectare landing zone, extending the aircraft parking area, and building a taxiway. The runway will be extended by 200 meters to ensure safer landings for aerosports activities.
The project represents a collaboration between PT BWJ, the SEZ's developer and operator, and PT Bro Skydive Indonesia. Under the partnership agreement, PT BWJ will provide nine hectares of land, while PT Bro Skydive Indonesia will handle infrastructure construction and equipment provision. The SEZ already operates Salakanagara Airport, which features an airstrip capable of accommodating aerosports activities.
President Director of PT Bro Skydive Indonesia Fanny Kusuma Dewi confirmed that construction will begin immediately following the signing of the cooperation agreement. The company aims to have the facilities operational by the second week of December. The new drop zone will complement Salakanagara Airport's existing hangars and integrate with the SEZ's current marine and land-based sports attractions. Skydiving operations in Indonesia typically charge between IDR 3.5 million to IDR 5.5 million for tandem jumps, with established facilities operating at locations including Nusawiru Paracenter in West Java and Lido Lakes in Bogor.
President Director of PT BWJ Poernomo Siswoprasetijo expressed confidence that the partnership would advance quickly. He emphasized that sports tourism, supported by local accommodation and airport facilities, is expected to generate interest among younger generations in skydiving and other aerosports.
Infrastructure improvements enhance accessibility
Access to Tanjung Lesung is set to improve significantly with the completion of the Cileles–Bojong segment of the Serang–Panimbang Toll Road, targeted for November. The 83.67 km toll road consists of three sections: Serang-Rangkasbitung (26.5 km), Rangkasbitung-Cileles (24.41 km), and Cileles-Panimbang (33 km). The first section has been operational since December 2021.
The entire toll road network is projected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2027. Once completed, the highway will connect to the existing Tangerang-Merak Toll Road, creating a direct link between the Jakarta metropolitan area and both the Tanjung Lesung SEZ and Ujung Kulon National Park. Travel time from Jakarta to Central and South Banten is expected to decrease from 3-4 hours to just 1-2 hours. A 2017 feasibility study by Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works projected that the toll road could contribute between 1% and 1.5% to Banten Province's economic growth.
SEZ development context
Tanjung Lesung was designated as a Special Economic Zone under Government Regulation Number 26 of 2012 and began operations in February 2015, making it Indonesia's first tourism-focused SEZ. The designation provides various fiscal incentives including tax holidays, import duty exemptions, VAT exemptions, and streamlined licensing processes to attract investment.
As of 2025, Indonesia operates 25 Special Economic Zones covering diverse sectors including manufacturing, tourism, digital economy, and healthcare, with total investment exceeding USD 16 billion and generating over 170,000 jobs. The Tanjung Lesung SEZ has undergone significant recovery and development since a devastating tsunami struck the area on December 22, 2018, triggered by the eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano. The disaster caused extensive damage requiring an estimated IDR 150 billion for reconstruction, but the zone has since resumed development activities, with the new aerosports facilities representing the latest phase of expansion.
