Clarifying Morowali's Airports: IMIP and Maleo

Background of the Controversy

Recent controversy has surrounded the IMIP Private Airport in Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah (Sulteng), with allegations that it operates without proper security personnel and state supervision. The airport serves the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), a major industrial complex in the region. Some social media users have questioned the legal status of the airport, suggesting it operates like a "state within a state" without proper oversight from authorities such as Customs and Immigration.

Distinguishing Between IMIP and Maleo Airports

The confusion has been compounded by the existence of another airport in the same region: Maleo Airport, also known as Bungku Airport. This public airport was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in 2019. According to Mohamad Abdul Kadir Martoprawiro, an expert from ITB, the two airports serve different purposes. The Maleo Airport is a public airport owned by the Morowali Regency Government and managed by the Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General of Air Transportation. In contrast, the IMIP Private Airport is a private facility catering to the needs of the industrial park.

Legal Status and Operations

While some have raised concerns about the IMIP Private Airport operating without proper oversight, it is recorded in the Directorate General of Air Transportation's database as a private airport under the supervision of the Makassar Wilayah 5 Air Transportation Authority. This clarification is crucial in understanding that the airport is not entirely unregulated. However, the lack of visible security personnel has been a point of contention and public concern.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the IMIP Private Airport highlights the need for clearer public understanding of the different types of airports operating in Indonesia, particularly in industrial areas. While the IMIP Private Airport and Maleo Airport are distinct in their functions and management, the public confusion is understandable given their proximity and similar names. Ensuring proper oversight while supporting industrial operations remains a key challenge for the relevant authorities.