Pasirian Airfield

The closure was due to economic and operational obsolescence. The airfield was a private facility owned by a state-owned plantation company (PTPN XII) for agricultural aviation. With advancements in ground-based agricultural techniques and improved road infrastructure, the need for and cost-effectiveness of maintaining a private airstrip for crop dusting and personnel transport diminished, leading to its gradual abandonment.

The site is currently a multi-purpose area with a critical role in disaster management. Following the major eruption of Mount Semeru in December 2021, the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) repurposed Pasirian Airfield as a primary **Command Post (Posko) and Logistics Hub**. Its long, paved, and open space is ideal for:
- Helicopter landings for search, rescue, and evacuation missions.
- Staging area for heavy machinery and emergency vehicles.
- Central point for receiving and distributing humanitarian aid.

Outside of disaster response, the paved runway has been informally used by the local community for activities like driving practice, community events, and, at times, illegal drag racing.

Pasirian Airfield was built and operated by the state-owned plantation company, PTPN XII (Perkebunan Nusantara XII). Its primary historical role was to support the extensive sugar cane, coffee, and rubber plantations in the Lumajang region. Operations were specialized and not open to the public, consisting mainly of:
1. **Agricultural Aviation:** Launching and landing crop-duster aircraft to spray pesticides and fertilizers over the plantations.
2. **Logistics:** Transporting company executives, technicians, and essential supplies to and from the remote plantation areas.
3. **Aerial Surveying:** Used for monitoring crop health and land management.
It was a vital piece of infrastructure for the agricultural industry in the area but never served as a commercial or military airport.

There are significant and active plans to reopen and upgrade the airfield. The Mount Semeru eruption starkly highlighted the region's vulnerability and the strategic need for dedicated air access for disaster mitigation and response.
- **Official Proposal:** The Lumajang Regency government has formally proposed to Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation to reactivate Pasirian Airfield and develop it into a proper airport.
- **Proposed Function:** The plan is for a dual-function airport: serving limited commercial flights (for aircraft like the ATR 72) to boost the local economy and tourism, while primarily being designated as a specialized airport for disaster mitigation.
- **Government Response:** The proposal has been received favorably by the central government. The Ministry of Transportation has conducted site surveys and feasibility studies. The plan aligns with the national strategy to improve infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.
- **Current Stage:** As of early 2024, the project is still in the advanced planning and approval stage. Final approval, budget allocation from the national government, and a concrete timeline for construction are still pending.