Just a couple of months ago, on 7 March, Indonesia Airlines CEO Iskandar Ismail announced that the airline had officially secured authorisation to operate. It positioned itself as the first commercial airline in Indonesia to operate exclusively on international routes.
“Based on our business plan and completed feasibility study, Indonesia Airlines will focus solely on international flights,” said Iskandar via the official LinkedIn page of Indonesia Airlines, quoted on Sunday, 9 March 2025.
Indonesia Airlines is a subsidiary of Singapore-based Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd, which operates across renewable energy, aviation, and agriculture. Iskandar, however, is a native of Aceh, Indonesia.
The announcement stirred buzz across Indonesia’s aviation sector in March.
At the time, the Ministry of Transportation responded to the news, reminding the public that all scheduled commercial air transport operators in Indonesia must obtain the necessary certifications. Lukman F. Laisa, Director General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation, stressed the regulatory requirements in place.
This includes obtaining both a Scheduled Commercial Air Transport Standard Certificate and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), in accordance with Ministry of Transportation Regulation No. 35 of 2021 and Regulation No. 33 of 2022.
“Aircraft operation certification for air transport activities is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after all administrative, technical, and operational requirements are met,” Lukman said in an official statement on 10 March.
However, in a sharp turn of events on 22 May, Lukman declared that Indonesia Airlines was nothing more than a false rumour. He claimed that no documents or licence applications had been submitted to the Ministry regarding the airline’s operational plans.
“There’s no follow-up, nothing. It’s a hoax! Why should we respond? It’s already a hoax, unclear!” Lukman told media following a hearing (RDP) with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta.
“There’s no application either (from Indonesia Airlines to the Ministry of Transportation), no request (for permits),” he added.
Iskandar, who was on a working visit to Thailand and Dubai at the time, expressed his disappointment over the accusation. Speaking to Medan-based news outlet Waspada.id on 23 May, he described the Director General’s statement as groundless and harmful to the country’s reputation.
“That accusation is cheap and unworthy of a state official. Such comments harm the investment climate we have been painstakingly building with international partners,” Iskandar stated firmly.
He revealed that Indonesia Airlines is still in the process of finalising its feasibility study and is engaged in negotiations with reputable aircraft lessors in Asia and the Middle East. According to Iskandar, the establishment process is being carried out with seriousness and professionalism, including the administrative and licensing preparations, which will be submitted once all technical and financial requirements are met.
“We are not selling empty dreams. What we are doing is a standard process in airline establishment in any country. We respect Indonesia’s regulations and are ensuring that all our steps comply with applicable rules,” he added.