Gorda Airfield

Military strategic realignment and obsolescence. The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) consolidated its forces and shifted its primary combat squadrons to other, more modern airbases with better facilities (such as Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta and Iswahyudi in Madiun). Gorda's infrastructure was aging, and its strategic importance as a front-line airbase diminished over time, leading to its downgrade and eventual cessation of flight operations.

The site is no longer used for any aviation activities. The land remains under the ownership of the Indonesian military. The two long, parallel runways, though in a state of decay, have found a new purpose as a popular, informal venue for motorsports. It is widely known as 'Sirkuit Gorda' and hosts numerous drag racing, road racing, and drifting events. The vast area is also occasionally used by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) for ground-based military training and drills. Some parts of the surrounding land are also used for local agriculture.

Gorda Airfield has significant military historical importance. It was originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army during their occupation of the Dutch East Indies in World War II (circa 1942-1943). After Indonesia's independence, it was taken over by the Indonesian Air Force and became one of its most important and strategic airbases during the Cold War. In the 1950s and 1960s, it hosted a variety of front-line aircraft, including P-51 Mustang fighters, B-25 Mitchell bombers, and later, a powerful fleet of Soviet-era aircraft such as MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21 fighter jets, as well as Tupolev Tu-16 'Badger' strategic bombers. The base was a symbol of Indonesia's military strength under President Sukarno and played a key role in various military operations and regional power projection.

There have been multiple discussions and proposals over the years to reactivate Gorda Airfield as a commercial airport. The Banten provincial government has repeatedly floated the idea of developing the site to support the Greater Jakarta area and alleviate air traffic congestion at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. However, these plans have consistently stalled and have not moved beyond the proposal stage. Major obstacles include the enormous cost of completely rebuilding the runways, terminals, and all supporting infrastructure, as well as the complexities of land ownership transfer from the military to a civilian authority. As of now, there are no concrete, funded plans to reopen the airfield.