IMIP Private Airport Confirmed Registered and Compliant

Background and Recent Controversy

The IMIP Private Airport, operated by PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), has been under scrutiny following comments from Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin regarding unregulated airports in Indonesia. The controversy prompted a response from Deputy Transportation Minister Suntana to clarify the airport's regulatory status.

Official Statement on Airport Status

Wakil Menteri Perhubungan (Wamenhub) Suntana emphasized that the IMIP Private Airport is fully registered with the Ministry of Transportation as a special airport. He stated, "Terdaftar, itu sudah terdaftar. Nggak mungkin bandara nggak terdaftar." (It's registered, it is indeed registered. It's impossible for an airport to not be registered.) The minister confirmed that the airport has obtained necessary permits from the state and is subject to control mechanisms.

Regulatory Compliance and Oversight

The clarification by the Deputy Minister highlights that the airport is not operating illegally and is compliant with Indonesian aviation regulations. The presence of customs and transportation officials at the airport further underscores its compliance with national regulations. Suntana's statement was made during a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta, emphasizing the government's oversight of the airport's operations.

Significance and Context

This confirmation is particularly relevant given the recent concerns raised by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin about the existence of unregulated airports in Indonesia. The statement from the Deputy Transportation Minister serves to reassure stakeholders about the regulatory compliance of special airports like IMIP Private Airport. The airport's compliance demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining regulatory oversight even in industrial areas with specialized infrastructure.