Indonesia's Private Airports: Beyond IMIP

Multiple Private Airports Operate Across Indonesia

Indonesia hosts several private airports beyond the recently scrutinized IMIP airport in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. Expert analysis from Mohamad Abdul Kadir Martoprawiro of ITB reveals a pattern of private aviation infrastructure serving major industrial operations.

Existing Private Airports in Indonesia

Other notable private airports include:

• Bandara Mozes Kilangin in Timika, initially operated by PT Freeport Indonesia before being opened to public use
• Bandar Sorowako, owned and operated by PT Vale for their mining operations
• Bandara Dhoho Kediri, originally a private airport for PT Gudang Garam that has since transitioned to international status

Regulatory Framework for Private Airports

Martoprawiro emphasizes that while these airports are privately owned, they all operate under government-issued permits. The expert notes that the controversy surrounding IMIP stems not from its legal status as a private airport - which is common in Indonesia - but from its association with a large industrial complex and significant foreign workforce.

IMIP Airport in Context

The IMIP private airport in Morowali has drawn public attention due to its operational characteristics, including the absence of state security personnel. However, Martoprawiro clarifies that from a legal perspective, IMIP airport follows the same regulatory pathway as other private airports in the country.

Distinction Between IMIP and Other Private Airports

The key factors that set IMIP apart include:

1. The scale of the industrial operation it serves
2. The significant presence of foreign workers
3. Public perception influenced by limited policy literacy among the general public

Additional Aviation Infrastructure in Morowali

The Morowali region, where IMIP is located, actually hosts multiple airports. Bandara Maleo, which was inaugurated during former President Joko Widodo's administration in late 2018 and became operational in 2019, serves as a separate aviation facility. This has sometimes led to public confusion between the two distinct airports in the same region.