Indonesia's Luhut Pandjaitan Confirms Morowali IMIP Airport Serves Domestic

Indonesia's National Economic Council (DEN) Chair, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, recently clarified the operational status of the airport located within the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) complex in Central Sulawesi. Pandjaitan, who approved the airport's construction during his tenure as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, stated that the facility was developed primarily to attract foreign investors, a strategy commonly employed in nations like Vietnam and Thailand. The IMIP airport is exclusively designated for domestic flights and has not received authorization to operate as an international gateway. Pandjaitan emphasized that, in accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations, a special airport serving only domestic routes does not necessitate customs or immigration facilities. This clarification follows previous scrutiny from politicians, who raised concerns about the airport operating without adequate government oversight. The Morowali industrial area has attracted over US$20 billion in investment, contributing significantly to local employment with more than 100,000 workers. Responding to earlier allegations of the airport operating illegally, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation confirmed its registered status. Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana stated that personnel from various agencies, including the Directorate General of Customs, the police, and the Ministry of Transportation, have been stationed at the IMIP airport to ensure compliance and oversight. Pandjaitan further highlighted Indonesia's efforts to attract foreign investment, noting that China has been a key partner in developing downstream industries under conditions ensuring technology transfer, local labor utilization, and integrated industrial development.