Luhut Addresses Controversy Surrounding IMIP Airport Status

Background of IMIP Airport Development

National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding the airport status within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) industrial area. The statement was made in an official release on Monday, December 1, 2025. Luhut detailed the situation during his tenure as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment under the administration of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

Government's Investment Planning

Luhut emphasized his responsibility for planning and developing national investment over approximately eleven years during his time as the Coordinating Minister. He explained that from the outset, the government recognized the need for significant changes to enable Indonesia to derive greater value from its resources. This long-term vision has been central to the government's approach to industrial development and infrastructure projects like IMIP.

Significance of IMIP Development

The Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) represents a crucial component of Indonesia's industrial development strategy. The controversy surrounding the airport status within the IMIP highlights the complexities involved in large-scale industrial projects. The government's efforts to maximize the value of national resources through such projects demonstrate its commitment to economic development and strategic infrastructure investment.

Implications for Indonesian Economy

The development of infrastructure within industrial parks like IMIP is expected to have a positive impact on Indonesia's economic growth. By enhancing connectivity and supporting industrial activities, such projects contribute to the country's overall economic development and investment attractiveness. The government's stance on these projects, as explained by Luhut, provides insight into the strategic considerations behind these developments.