CGK
- JAKARTA SOKEARN-HATTA AIRPORT
Page
1 of 1
Add a Comment to
Airport Forum
Jakarta Airport by K Param
21 February 2008 Customer Rating : 
CGK can't be compared to Changi or KLIA, however pleasantly surprised with the lounge for LH
passengers. Duty free limited and overpriced. Check in no queue at business check in, however
boarding the aircraft a bit chaotic.
Jakarta Airport by W Keeney
22 January 2008 Customer Rating : 
Transferred from a Garuda domestic to a Garuda international flight this last trip (Jan 08). Arrived
at 2F, left from 2E, so finger piers are adjacent. You have to proceed into the inner ring
concourse, passing one security check; then find the proper check-in counter in the inner lobby
(international flights check in at a different set of counters than do domestic). Once you check in
and pay your exit tax (still currently Rupiah 100,000 at Jakarta), you return the direction you
entered, pass an audit desk that makes sure you paid the tax, then Immigration, then back into the
inner ring concourse, where all the lounges and shops are located. Can be confusing, but still only
took me 20 minutes total at 1500 hours on a weekday afternoon. GA Executive lounge quite good, with
an immense buffet; lots of choices. You go through outbound security again on the way to the gate in
the finger pier, so allow time - but there was no queue, either, so very fast. All in all, an easy-
to-use airport, with friendly staff if you start to get lost.
Jakarta Airport by Mike Austen
24 May 2007 Customer Rating :
As a resident in Indonesia have frequently used Jakarta Airport.
Generally it works pretty well with always friendly staff at all levels
ie check in / immigration/ customs down to lavatory attendents this of
course is a good reflection of overall Indonesian courtesy. Entering
and exiting the terminals always a bit of a hassle because of touts but
the situation has improved and it's never overly aggressive. There is
something very pleasant even uplifting about the architecture of the
place as mentioned before especially in the departure areas and it never
appears overcrowded. The Duty free is indifferent and the knick knacks a
bit overpriced but probably good and unique transit purchases. The
credit card holder lounges are a great idea especially for locals who
often have to leave for the airport as much as 6 hours before take off
due to the Jakartan traffic. However don't buy duty free on arrival as
often the international branded bottles and packages contain pirated
inferior products. All in all like Indonesia as a whole a safe and
friendly enviromnment with reasonably priced and good quality food and
beverages.
Jakarta Airport by P Tanamas
1 May 2007 Customer Rating : 
At CGK, when you arrive at Terminal 2, you have to check the correct
gates number for your flight (even when you are still at departure
concourse, the security can be quite demanding and ask you to go in
through their designated gates to check in counters). After that is
baggage screening and first security. Then go to check in counters. Do
check in online if it is possible from your airlines' website. I am a
frequent visitor to this airport and find mostly the check in procedures
took ages. The baggage drop-off counter looks like the most appealing
check in counters after all. Don't forget to spare Rp 100,000 as airport
tax that is payable at check in counters. Immigration and custom checks
can take quite long if there is many people as the staff are not very
fond either (most government workers in Indonesia seemed indifferent:
inefficient and impolite). On my last departure from CGK, i had a chance
to use the Premium Lounge at the end of the terminal 2D. The lounge is
okay, but unfortunately they had their washrooms facility under
renovation. Plenty seating, newspapers, and magazines. There's also
couple of computer stations. F&B service needs improvement as they
served only 3-star hotel buffet. Still far if you are demanding a luxury
quality food. Lounge staff will not remind your boarding time and ask
you to remember to spare plenty time to proceed to the gate when you
checking in. Inside only got plasma tv showing flight schedules.
Plenty shops at Terminal 2. Duty free offer quite good deals (but then
they are priced in US$). However, do not try to exchange your money in
the money changer inside the airport. They set the rates even higher
than exchange rates at 5-star hotels. Choose notable shops only for your
last-minute shopping such as Periplus (books and magazines), Batik Keris
(batik clothing and Indonesian handicrafts), Plaza Bali (duty free
goods), and Starbucks (coffee and cakes). When you are called to board,
another security check will be conducted (they will examine the
passenger and x'rayed the carry on luggage). Only then you enter the
waiting hall and gate agent will tear your boarding pass. Toilets are
available after immigration and inside each waiting halls.
Jakarta Airport by E Keilher
10 April 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
Used CGK numerous times, but as the domestic flights I took that arrived
in CGK were the final leg of international flights, I have only
experienced the International section of the airport. I found CGK to be
a fine airport with an interesting design. Thanks to Mr Baxter's
comment, I knew to take a taxi from the Departures level that had just
dropped off another passenger, so I had no problems and it only cost a
little over Rp100,000 to reach central Jakarta. Cigarette smoking is a
big problem landside (amusingly, smokers seem to congregate under the
signs that say "no smoking"), and one night I had a few hours between
connecting flights on different airlines so my head was spinning from
all the kretek by the time I could check in. My experience of CGK was
marred by one factor: my last flight with QR departed at 3am, and there
was also a packed Kuwait Airways flight checking in and departing around
the same time, and a QF flight a little earlier, too. We could check in
at midnight, but unfortunately ALL shops airside close at 11pm! The only
thing open is the toilet, no exaggeration. Most disappointing for an
airport this size, with arrivals and departures continuing through the
night, and large numbers of people left to twiddle their thumbs in an
eerily quiet airport. There is a business lounge that is free for
premium passengers, and they charged Economy passengers Rp100,000 to
enter-- as I had already spent a few hours waiting landside to check in,
I couldn't stand the prospect of more idle time wasting, so I was happy
to pay and enjoy the fast internet, TV, food, etc. Only thing was they
don't take cards and I had limited Rupiah left as I was leaving the
country, and there is no ATM airside. Fortunately, immigration held onto
my passport while I went back landside to the ATM. Another thing about
immigration-- sleazy immigration guy asked me very pointed questions
about where my husband was and why I was travelling alone. As a young
woman travelling alone, this unfortunately happens from time to time,
not just in Indonesia, and is always unsettling but moreso in a quiet
airport late at night with everything shut. Still, CGK is a fine airport
but if faced with a flight after 11pm, I would try to depart elsewhere.
Jakarta Airport by Nasim Sidek
15 February 2007
CGK Terminal 2. Not very pleasing during arrivals. The level of cleaness
for their toilets are not up to standard. Taxis other than bluebird are
advised to be avoided. Things are ok during departures, but there are
certain dirty and gloomy dark spots here and there. Some airport staff
smoking in the are where they should not do (Without feeling guilty).
Agree with previous comment where only smokers find CGK appealing.
Positive comment for the design of the building (Exterior and Interior).
It is unique and beautiful. Something different compare to HKIA,
Kansai, KLIA dan Suvarnabhumi. However I still think they need to
refurbish certain parts.
Jakarta Airport by Dave Booth
13 February 2007
Terminal 1 continues to buckle under the strain of a rapidly
(recklessly) expanding domestic low cost market. T1 is actually three
separate sub-terminals each with its own assortment of local carriers.
As carriers expand or contract their operations the airport authorities
move them around to make best use of available space so this means a lot
of ongoing office relocations and general chaos. In Terminal 1-A the
airport authorities seem to have gone one step further by allocating
individual gates to particular carriers, even though planes belonging to
one carrier may still be parked at someone else's gate due to
operational demand. This means that you may have to assemble for
boarding at, for example, the Air Asia gate only to endure a lengthy
march round to a Lion Air gate to board the aircraft. Also note that
there is a serious shortage of public seating once inside the terminals
but an oversupply of 'executive' lounge facilities. By western standards
the latter are very cheap at around USD4-5 and at least offer
comfortable seating and a limited range of drinks and snacks.
Jakarta Airport by Ryan Chao
1 February 2007
Have traveled through CGK several times a year. I had no problem until
the last trip. Used the Silver Bird taxi service from the airport to the
city. When I reached the city, the driver demanded extra money claiming
that I must pay the return toll fee for him to go back to the airport. I
already paid the taxi stand fee which is supposed to cover the toll for
the cab driver coming back to the airport. In previous trips, I never
had to pay the return toll. When I refused to pay, the driver got grumpy
and made the comment "next time take the Blue Bird if you can't pay the
toll." I found this unprofessional.
Jakarta Airport by Geoff Martin
8 September 2006
I have been traveling to Jakarta now for the last 4 years on and off,
and yes it has it's problems with taxis, then so does KL, Ho Chi Minh
and many other airports in this part of the world. If you take a step
backwards and look at the place, it is quite beautiful, and on the
domestic side, I challenge anybody to find a more beautiful, clean,
airport in the world. If you think you have problems there, try the USA,
and how long it takes to get into or out of that country.
Jakarta Airport by Simon Baxter
3 June 2006
For all those that are sick and tired of the taxi mafia outside the
arrival hall, both those supposed "privateers" and the licensed taxis
that refuse to engage the meter but would rather barter the cost - then
the solution is simple. Just take the stair or elevator to the next
level up, the Departure level. Here you will find countless number of
preferred taxis including Silver Bird. As a passenger gets out, just
grab the one you want. Personally in all the years I have lived in
Indonesia, it amazes me why the airport authorities have not cleaned up
those annoying "taxi mister" privateers. But then again, I think the
government has supported these taxi drivers by printing the new 100,000
rupiah note the same colour as the 10,000. Newcomers often hand over the
100,000 unknowingly - in lieu of the 10,000. Just beware.
Jakarta Airport by Andrew Michael
9 May 2006
Just a word to the wise - if you are arriving in Indonesia and require a
"visa on arrival" as I did (UK passport), make sure you have at least
one completely empty page in your passport. The visa is similar to the
China visa - a printed-out sticker that takes a whole page. My passport
did not have a completely empty page and caused problems. There was one
page that had one stamp from another country that I suggested could be
used for the Indonesian visa but I was referred to the office to sort
the problem. I was informed that this would incur a penalty and cost me
USD50 to have them put the visa in the place I suggested. The
Immigration were happy, and I was happy to leave the airport! Having
said all this, the Immigration people were extremely nice and even gave
me a bottle of water. This was my own fault for not researching the
requirements but I found no mention anywhere of what form the visa
takes.
Jakarta Airport by P Nguyen
5 March 2006
I arrived Jakarta Airport (Soekarno Hatta Airport) in the early evening
from Ho Chi Minh City. The immigration and customs clearance was OK, it
took me only 10 minutes to get out of the airport after Immigration.
Although the airport is not large as Changi or Sepang or Chek Lap Kok,
the architecture is rather beautiful! The layout of the airport looks
like the Indonesia Temple! It's so great. Only one thing I did not
appreciate was the number of duty free is not much. But the main
important purpose was not shopping, so it was not bother me. On the day
I returned to Ho Chi Minh City, I had chance to look around the airport
once more. The check in and immigration clearance is good.
Jakarta Airport by Dave Booth
3 February 2006
This is an airport of two halves: Terminal 2 is - in my opinion - very
well organised considering this is a developing country undergoing rapid
expansion in commercial air traffic. Terminal 1 remains for the most
part pretty dire with poor food and facilities. I do second the comments
about taxis and transportation, however. As a Jakarta resident I know
how to avoid the pitfalls and pick up a decent cab quickly, but newly
arrived passengers unfamiliar with the system end up paying for upmarket
limo services or being ripped off by cowboy taxi operators. The airport
authorities have done virtually nothing to address this situation for
years, seemingly content to accept bribes and hush money from the
unscrupulous taxi operators.
Jakarta Airport by Max Meijer
12 January 2006
I passed this airport the last few years a couple of times and, this
year I used as a hub for connections within Indonesia. I love the
atmosphere. Some of the facilities are a bit worn out, but on the whole
is has a clear concept and you don't feel lost, as you do at the
megahubs like Changi, KL of HK airports. And yes when you find the time
to watch the beautiful architecture and the well kept gardens in and
around the premises it is a most welcoming place. The staff might be at
first sight a bit disorganised, most of them are friendly and helpful.
And to my experience immigration procedures are always quite fast and
never had any bad experiences.
Jakarta Airport by Dalip Dhariwal
4 January 2006
Having traveled through Jakarta many times in the past few years on
business, I'd say it's generally manageable if one doesn't have an
appointment to keep! I work in the security industry and maintain a
view that the regional security situation has made it necessary for
immigration officers to spend a little extra time questioning passengers
for various reasons on entering Indonesia (or any country). These guys
are just doing their job. Immigration and bag carousel time aside, I
would say the biggest downside of Jakarta airport (to literally quote
John Sheridan) is the administrations inability to manage the external
taxi services. Not everyone wants to take a premium limo ride downtown.
What on earth is a newly arrived passenger to make of the taxi services
and options available to travel into the city?! There is absolutely no
system for city cabs at CGK airport. The "hustlers" offering taxi rides
often use unmarked vehicles and there is NO GUARANTEE of safety in this
system. A simple solution would be to follow the system used at either
Changi or Don Maung. One single taxi counter for ALL clearly marked
taxis plying from airport to city and with fixed rates. It's that
simple.
Jakarta Airport by Michael Fadjar
9 June 2005
As an Indonesian, I can not just stand still to let all the arguments here pass without verification
from a local's point of view. Having travelled to many airports abroad myself, I agree that some
facilities at CGK are not the best (dirty toilets, slow baggage claim, not too many duty free, poor
lighting at some spots etc). Regarding immigration services, maybe we are not the best but I can
assure you that we are NOT the worst nor the rudest (been to US lately, anyone ?? I spent 3 hours
there myself being interrogated and treated like dirt !! My experience at CGK varies from 5 to 20
minutes). One thing that I'm very proud of is the architecture: where else do you see non artificial
gardens while you walk along the corridors ? And do you people notice that each garden bears
carefully formed plants that indicate the nearby gate number ? No ?? And what about the structure of
the building: see it from the sky and you will realise that they resemble traditional Javanese
"joglo" houses with separate individual "pendopo"/pavillion that function as gate hubs. Oh yes,
while you walk along the garden corridor, you might as well notice that just above the window frame
there are paintings of different textile motives from all our provinces. And the clove cigarette
smell?? Come on people, it comes as a package of your visit there ! (I'm a non smoker myself). If
you don't smell it inside you'll surely smell it outside ! About bus ride to other gate, I
experienced tha same thing twice myself at Heathrow, so it's not that peculiar, Mr.Khemakavat
(something to do with transfer between international/domestic terminals)
In conclusion, while the service and discipline need improvement, I find our airport very culturally
rich and close to nature and I don't think we should follow "me too" approaches like most airports
around the world that look increasingly similar like rows of cold steel and blocks of concretes.
Jakarta Airport by Michael Helmburger
29 May 2005
Having passed through CGK last week for the first time I can confirm most ot the negative reviews on
this page and I should add one.
Being a passport holder of one of the countries liable to pay a (visa)fee upon arrival I found it
unfortunate that I had to queue twice before passing through. First I had to get the sticker at the
paying in counter and afterwards I had to queue
again to get stamped in together with all the dalits who are given a free ride by the republik.
This should not be necessary and on a previous visit entering at Batam seaport I was stamped in at
the same lane where I got the sticker.
Jakarta Airport by Adi Chew
4 January 2005
Jakarta Airport is tolerable but behind international standards. Fly there often on emirates and
the terminal is grimy and building materials are 2nd rate. the baggage claim is stuffy and badly
done-up/slow and there are some useless rooms here and there and one is supposed to be the customs
room but it is just there for nothing. There are many people who wait in the airport and there is no
organisation. I agree with one of the writers that the scent/stench, however you think it, of the
clove-spiced "kretek" cigarette permeates the atmosphere. I am not a smoker and widely aware of the
problem of 2nd hand smoke so the Indon Government should do something about it. The only thing that
is nice is the departure hall as you find tall tall windows and natural gardens to relax. Even the
"duty free" are at the same price, if not more expensive than say-in Taman Anggrek Mall near the
city center. No internet access offered. The toilets are
grimy and the water in the pot is black. An average airport marred by bad administrative staff but
better than what you get in other parts.
Jakarta Airport by Nat Khemakavat
29 December 2004
Arriving in the late evening of Dec 15 to find only 3 immigration counters for foreigners with a big
group of Chinese tourist just arriving via other earlier flights. Very long and slow queue.
Arriving again in the morning of Dec 20 from Denpasar through the same facility - not understand how
effective in using a small piece of paper to distinguish between Domestic and International
passengers. Old airport with poor lighting and atmosphere. Also not understanding why to
transfer passengers by bus from one gate to another (instead of letting passenger walk through the
boarding ramp). Very weird. Check-in counter of Garuda still separated by flight number instead
of "all flight" adopted by other home airlines at most other airports. Duty free shops were
virtually minimum. All toilets were poor, including those in the Garuda Business Class lounges.
Not understand where the Rp 100,000 (about USD12) airport fee went to. The money should have been
spent improving the airport.
Jakarta Airport by Wolfgang Kuhnle
27 August 2004
Apart from baggage claim, which is really really gloomy, virtually East Block airport atmosphere,
everything else delights, particularly the time between checking in/passport control and departure.
Jakarta Airport by Xuess Wee
11 August 2004
I think only smokers in general find CGK appealing. CGK does have its merit, especially the unique
external architecture and the waiting area (tapping into brightness from natural sunshine coming
through the ceiling to floor windows) and the lush green gardens. Aside from that, CGK needs more
lightings in many parts (it is absolutely gloomy in places!), a fresh coat of paint, an improvement
in the air-conditioning and maybe some real face-lifting! As for the staff, past experiences had
ranged from the supremely polite, to nonchalance, edgy and downright nasty, so it really depends on
whom you encounter! And something needs to be done about all those second hand smoke lingering in
the air, especially in the departure and arrival halls, hence my first comment.
Jakarta Airport by Hugues Martel
21 June 2004
Jakarta airport is very beautiful and pleasant and I really like to travel there. The architecture
is really nice and has much more character than Changi or Hong Kong. Immigration is generally quite
fast and the customs officers friendly.
I agree that the facilities are relatively limited but I don't go to the airport for shopping then
it doesn't bother me. Overall Jakarta is a very good airport.
Jakarta Airport by Gregory Steven
24 May 2004
The airport is actually beautiful, with wonderful statues, carvings and other details. Compared to
other famous world airports such as Changi, Dubai, etc, it has a very strong character on its
architecture, very well presenting the best of Indonesia. But when it comes to the facilities I have
to admit that they are poor, the toilets are standard, the duty free were so-so, the
aircon.on the
baggage claim were often off ,etc. still a long way to reach a superb international standard.
Jakarta Airport by Daniel Lin
26 April 2004
It's not a world class airport, but the facilities are working and the staff are at least of a
standard. There are signs where there should be, the computer displays are working, the immigration
is nice, the environment is pleasing, an the airport itself is maintained. I think the problem is
just because Indonesia itself is just a developing country and does not have the ability to spend a
big sum on maintaining airports, though people say airports are the first and impression on a
country. Even so, I still believe that they at least did a decent job, if not good, on running CGK.
Jakarta Airport by John Sheridan
23 April 2004
I cannot agree with any of the praise I have read on this web site. Jakarta's main
airport is the pits, and I have passed through it (domestic and international)
numerous times over the past 6 years. Facilities are almost non existent when
compared with Singapore, Hong Kong or Malaysia's airports.
Even Thailand's airport rates better than Soekarno-Hatta. To make matters worse are the crowds of touts that hang about in the common hall soliciting
passengers from everything from illegal taxi rides to buying pens. No, Jakarta's airport has a long way to go to be a world class portal.
IMPORTANT
NOTE
Comments
and opinions contained in these pages do not represent the views of Skytrax. All features contain unsolicited input from site visitors, and we
seek to exercise the minimum level of editorial control and censorship to
ensure the widest debate and platform for customer opinions. We
will not publish submissions that contain abusive language. We do not
guarantee to publish all opinions submitted.
ADD A COMMENT
If
you want to make a comment about this Airport, please use the box below.
This is only published if your name is supplied.
|
