RRI.CO.ID, Shanghai, China - eVTOLs have the potential to become part of a new infrastructure supporting Indonesia's industrial operations and economic productivity.

This view was expressed by Denon Prawiraatmadja—Head of Infrastructure at APINDO and Founder/CEO of Whitesky Group—at the Advanced Air Mobility international forum in Shanghai, China, on 22 July 2026.

In his view, eVTOLs go beyond merely transporting passengers within urban areas. The technology can improve mobility to mining sites, plantations, downstream processing zones, tourism destinations, and production hubs located far from major transportation networks.

"Indonesia does not need eVTOLs solely to move passengers from one building to another. Their greatest potential lies in the ability to connect production, industrial, and tourism zones, as well as regions that are currently underserved," said Denon Prawiraatmadja.

Many industrial zones and natural resource sites in Indonesia are located far from city centers, major airports, and ground transportation networks.

Journeys that currently take hours could potentially be shortened through integrated vertical air mobility services, facilitating the transport of people (experts and workers) and services or goods (healthcare services, operational supplies, and high-value goods).

"Mobility is a component of productivity. When travel time is reduced, companies can act more swiftly, economic zones become better integrated, and investment can grow more efficiently," said Denon Prawiraatmadja.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday, 23 July 2026, this ambition is balanced by a cautious approach: safety, certification, operational standards, and maintenance are prerequisites for the commercial operation of eVTOLs.

These elements also form the foundation that Denon Prawiraatmadja advocates establishing from the outset—covering both operations and infrastructure, including an intermodal approach that links air services with ground transportation, airports, business districts, and digital mobility platforms.

"eVTOLs must not become a standalone mode of transport. Air services need to be connected to ground transportation and economic hubs so that users experience a seamless journey from their starting point to their final destination," stated Denon Prawiraatmadja.

He emphasized that eVTOL development must not stop at merely being a technological trend. Its implementation must succeed in reducing travel time, expanding economic access, boosting business sector productivity, and delivering tangible benefits to Indonesia.