Location
Lat 6° 31' 53S 107° 39' 32E. Located to the west of Kalijati in West Java. During the war known as "Kalidjati", also known as Kalijati, Karichagi or Kalijaga.

Construction
Built by the Dutch prewar. Kalidjati had two perpendicular runways, one running roughly north to south and the other southwest to northeast.

Wartime History
This airfield was defended by a mixed force of Royal Dutch Netherlands East Indies Army, 49 Battery of the 48 Light Antiaircraft Regiment R A, a detachment of RAF acting as ground troops, and a company of light tanks of the 3rd Kings Own Hussars, RAC. During the night prior to the Japanese attack, Dutch forces were withdrawn without notice from the airfield.

On March 1, 1942 the remaining defenders unexpectedly discovered Japanese armored vehicles advancing onto the edge of the field. They hastily assembled and flung up a remarkable defense, one in which almost all the defenders laid down their lives, 49 Bty losing over 50 of their men. The survivors were taken prisoner by the Japanese. When later that week the Allied commanders met with the Japanese in connection with the capitulation negotiations, the Japanese commanders congratulated the British on the courageous stand their men had made during the defense of the Kalijati Airfield.

After the surrender, occupied by the Japanese for the duration of the Pacific War. Known to the Japanese as "Karichagi", a phonetic pronunciation of "Kalidjati". Used by the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as a forward airfield for bombing missions against Darwin.

Japanese units based at Kalijati
7th Sentai (Ki-49)

Postwar
Postwar, remained in use by the Dutch, known as "Kalijati Air Base". During 1950, the runways measured 2,000' and 1,600'.

Today
Known as "Kalijati Airport". Airport code: ICAO: WIIK.

References
Thank to Dick Kesseling for additional information.
Index to Air Bases - Research Report No. 85, I.G. No 9185 - July 30, 1944

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Last Updated
April 7, 2020