The Government of Indonesia aims to begin operations of electric air taxis in Nusantara, the country’s upcoming capital in East Kalimantan, by 2028. The initiative will deploy the autonomous EHang 216-S flying taxis as part of plans to establish Nusantara as a smart and sustainable city.
Manufactured by China-based EHang, the 216-S is an AI-operated aerial vehicle with a top speed of 130 km/hr and a payload capacity of 220 kg. Each unit costs around USD 535,000 but has significantly lower operational costs than helicopters—about USD30 per full charge. The government envisions the air taxi as a practical, green alternative for intra-city travel and a boost to tourism in Nusantara. The trial was supported by Prestige Aviation, which brought the EHang 216-S to Indonesia.