Indonesia Revokes Direct Flight Permit for IMIP Airport

Regulatory Change Impacts Industrial Operations

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has taken a significant regulatory step by revoking the permit for direct international flights at Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Airport in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. This decision was formalized through Ministerial Decision Number KM 55 Year 2025, signed by Minister Dudy Purwagandhi on October 13, 2025.

Background and Previous Regulations

The revocation effectively cancels the previous allowance for limited international operations that was granted through Ministerial Decision KM 38 Year 2025. This earlier regulation had designated three special airports to serve direct international flights under certain temporary conditions:

1. Sultan Syarief Haroen Setia Negara Airport, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province
2. Weda Bay Airport, Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province
3. Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Airport, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province

Implications for IMIP Operations

The IMIP Airport served as a critical infrastructure component for the industrial park, facilitating international travel for workers and potentially cargo operations. The revocation of its international flight permit will likely impact:

• Travel arrangements for foreign workers and executives
• Logistics and supply chain operations
• Overall operational efficiency of the industrial park

Regulatory Context and Future Outlook

This regulatory change reflects the government's evolving approach to managing special airport operations. While the decision affects IMIP's current operational flexibility, it may lead to more standardized international flight procedures across special airports in Indonesia. The industrial park operators and stakeholders will need to adapt their travel and logistics arrangements to comply with the new regulations.