Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has caught the attention of international travellers once again, this time for its transformed aesthetic, efficient facilities, and cultural charm.
A video that went viral on social media has highlighted the reactions of foreign tourists landing at Terminal 3, many of whom appeared visibly impressed by the airport’s scale and atmosphere.
The video, originally shared by the Instagram account @jktcreativemedia, shows tourists instinctively reaching for their phones to capture the terminal’s interior. Modern features are blended seamlessly with elements of Indonesian design, such as carved ornaments, lush gardens, and traditional motifs, all of which left a strong impression on first-time visitors.
One such tourist, a content creator from New York known as @scollytravels, was particularly stunned by the airport’s layout and size. “It’s 10 kilometres long! I had to take a shuttle bus for 10 minutes just to get from the plane to the terminal,” he remarked, still seemingly in disbelief.
@scollytravels Can’t get over the scale of this place!!🛫🇮🇩#scollytravels #ukfyp #travelling ♬ original sound – Scolly
He also praised the seamless arrival process, adding, “If you get dropped off at the right terminal, everything goes smoothly. Amazing!”
Another set of visitors travelling under the TikTok name @veggiesontour described Terminal 3 as “the prettiest terminal they have ever seen.”
@veggiesontour First time weve seen anything like this 🇮🇩 – Pertama kali lihat seperti ini – Jakarta, Indonesia #soekarnohatta #soekarnohattaintrernationalairport #pesawatindonesia #indonesia #tiktokindonesia #indonesiatravel #jalanjalan ♬ original sound – VeggiesOnTour
The couple praised the design for its museum-like ambience, which they found to be both modern and elegant, while still reflecting the cultural essence of Indonesia.
Local netizens quickly responded with a sense of pride, many echoing the travellers’ sentiments. “Soetta is indeed that beautiful from carvings, parks, to orchids,” commented one social media user. Another netizen added, “Very cool, proud to be an Indonesian.”
Terminal 3 Enhancements Aim to Raise Global Standards
Behind this wave of praise is a significant transformation effort led by PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, operating under InJourney Airports. In 2024, the company completed a comprehensive renovation project aimed at beautifying Soekarno-Hatta Airport, especially Terminal 3.
This included enhancements to both interior and exterior areas to reflect a more welcoming and environmentally conscious design.
Faik Fahmi, President Director of InJourney Airports, stated that the beautification programme extends beyond Soekarno-Hatta, reaching airports such as I Gusti Ngurah Rai in Bali as well. “We want visitors to feel the comfort, aesthetics and local identity the moment they arrive,” he noted.
Among the most noticeable improvements is the greenery inside the check-in area. Passengers are now greeted by tropical plants, decorative landscaping, and curated lighting that softens the space and creates a calming environment.
Self-service facilities such as baggage drop kiosks have also been introduced to streamline the check-in process.
The airport’s baggage claim area features a vertical garden wall, while green plant arrangements surrounding conveyor belts are designed to evoke the sense of a mini forest.
Another focal point is the installation of a large LED screen in the international arrivals area, which displays high-definition videos showcasing Indonesia’s natural landscapes and diverse cultures.
Externally, the Terminal 3 surroundings have also been redesigned. The airport’s park areas have been revitalised with new footpaths, shaded areas, and curated gardens to offer a more relaxing environment for travellers and visitors alike.
With these updates, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is not only strengthening its role as a key transport hub but also reinforcing its image as a modern symbol of Indonesia’s hospitality and cultural identity.
