Tangerang, Indonesia — In a historic leap forward for Southeast Asia’s aviation innovation, Indonesia has officially welcomed its first manned test flight of the EHang 216-S, an autonomous electric air taxi. The breakthrough trial took place on June 25, 2025, at Phantom Ground Park, PIK 2, Tangerang, and marks a defining moment in the region’s pursuit of next-generation mobility.
The highlight of the flight was not only the aircraft itself, but also its inaugural passenger — prominent entrepreneur and presidential envoy for youth and the creative sector, Raffi Ahmad, who was accompanied by Rudy Salim, Executive Chairman of Prestige Aviation, the company responsible for introducing the aircraft to Indonesia.
“We’re committed to bringing this transformative technology to Indonesia, both for tourism and urban transport. This demonstration is a step toward mainstreaming autonomous aerial vehicles in our country,” said Salim during the event.
The EHang 216-S secured special clearance from Indonesia’s Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation under the Ministry of Transportation, allowing for human-occupied demo flights. While previous flights showcased the vehicle with dummies or empty cabins, this marks the first official flight with real passengers on board.
Shaped like a large drone, the EHang 216-S uses AI-powered autonomous systems instead of a human pilot. The two-seater electric aircraft measures 5.61 meters wide and 1.77 meters tall, with a maximum payload capacity of 220 kilograms. It boasts a range of up to 35 kilometers on a full charge and can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h, making it ideal for short-range urban commutes or tourism applications.
The project is seen as a potential future solution to Indonesia’s notorious urban congestion, and is also being positioned as a cutting-edge mobility option for Nusantara, the country’s upcoming smart capital city. Beyond logistics and urban transport, its integration into the domestic tourism industry is being explored.
Prestige Aviation’s vision aligns with global trends: cities like Guangzhou and Dubai have already piloted such technologies, and Indonesia is now among the early adopters in the ASEAN region. With global demand for autonomous urban air mobility expected to rise sharply in the next decade, Indonesia’s early move offers a competitive edge.
The event was also attended by key officials including Bambang Soesatyo, Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission III, and Sokhib Al Rohman, Director of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation, Ministry of Transportation. Their presence underscored the government’s growing support for innovation in advanced air mobility.
As EHang prepares for broader commercial rollout in Indonesia, the success of this first manned flight signals not just a moment of prestige, but a powerful statement about the nation’s forward-looking transport ambitions.
