Did Indonesia's IMIP Airport Get Seized? The Truth Behind the Viral Video.

A viral video circulated on social media. It claimed that PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Airport was seized. The video showed security personnel setting up police lines. This was alleged due to the airport operating without a valid permit.

However, this claim is misleading. The footage does not show a seizure or closure. It actually documents a large-scale military exercise. Aviation stakeholders must verify information through credible sources, like those found on professional aviation news platforms [flying.flights].

The Truth Behind the Video

The incident captured in the video was an Integrated Joint Command Training Exercise (Latgab). The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) held the exercise at the IMIP Airport. The training took place on November 19, 2025, in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi.

Nearly 27,000 personnel participated in the massive drill. The goal was to boost the operational readiness of all TNI elements. Key scenarios included a simulated Air Base Seizure and Control Operation (OP3U). Another scenario involved intercepting a foreign aircraft. Defense radar detected suspicious movement in Indonesian airspace. Air command then deployed three Sukhoi Su-27/30s fighter jets. These jets came from Air Squadron 11 at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base. The jets pursued and forced the suspicious aircraft to land. Security was then tightened by military police and Rapid Response Forces. The presence of security lines was part of this military simulation.

IMIP Airport Regulatory Context

This incident occurred amid a wider controversy. The status of the IMIP Airport had recently come under scrutiny. The facility is a private, special airport. It is registered with the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub). Its operation is regulated under Aviation Law Number 1 of 2009. This law allows legal entities to build special airports for specific activities.

The controversy peaked in November 2025. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin questioned the lack of supervision. Specifically, he noted the absence of Customs and Immigration officials. This raised concerns about national sovereignty and economic control.

• The airport was briefly designated an international airport in August 2025 via Decree KM 38.
• This international status was quickly revoked.
• The revocation was stipulated in the Minister of Transportation Decree Number KM 55 of 2025.
• The decree was uploaded on November 28, 2025.

The revocation ensures the airport operates solely for domestic and regional needs. The government is now ensuring all transportation nodes are under state control. This includes deploying officials from the Ministry of Transportation and other agencies. The military exercise itself was also linked to securing Indonesia's critical nickel industrial zone.

Industry Impact and Verification

The quick spread of the IMIP Airport seizure video highlights a risk. Misinformation can rapidly impact public perception and market stability. The aviation sector relies on clear regulatory communication. The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has affirmed the airport is legally established. It has an operational permit as a special airport. The ongoing government efforts focus on strengthening oversight, not closure. This ensures compliance with Indonesian aviation law. Aviation authorities like the ICAO emphasize the need for robust state oversight. The incident was a military drill, not a regulatory enforcement action.