Indonesia - Bandara Internasional Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan
On March 22, 2014, the Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan, Indonesia, underwent testing for its newly constructed terminal. This terminal, covering an expansive 110,000 square meters and requiring a substantial investment of Rp2 trillion ($178 million), was designed with a capacity to accommodate 10 million passengers annually.
Operational Features at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
The airport boasts modern features, including a water recycling plant, 11 trunk alleys, 74 check-in counters, 8 conveyor belts, a sprawling 140,900 square meters apron, and an energy-efficient air conditioning control system. Additionally, a multi-story parking facility with 2,300 parking spaces has been integrated into the airport’s infrastructure. The terminal officially commenced operations on September 15, 2014.
Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport, ranking as the 6th busiest airport in Indonesia and the most bustling in Kalimantan and Borneo, experienced a significant decline in traffic. Despite past accolades, such as being recognized as the world’s 16th best airport in Airport Service Quality for the 5-15 million passengers capacity category, recent years have seen a noticeable drop in passenger numbers.
Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport
In 2018, Angkasa Pura, the airport’s operator, disclosed alarming energy inefficiencies. The airport consumes approximately 4 megawatts daily, contributing to over 50 percent of its operational costs. The parking building’s design exacerbates energy consumption, and the airport generates a substantial daily waste volume of around 12 tons.
Baggage theft has persistently plagued Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport, raising concerns over security measures. Instances of theft have been reported, with allegations suggesting lax security protocols. The airport’s baggage handling issues gained public attention in 2022 when Indonesian singer Dewi Persik reported the theft of her belongings after departing from Balikpapan.
Ground Handling Facilities
Equipped to support large aircraft like the A330 and Boeing 747-400, the airport features a 2,620 x 300-meter runway strip. Five ground handling companies operate within the airport premises, managing a cargo terminal spanning 4,815 square meters. These companies include Cardig Air, My Indo Airlines, PT. Angkasa Pura Logistik, Tri-MG Intra Asia Airlines, and Trigana Air Service.