Luhut Reveals Origins of IMIP Airport in Morowali

Strategic Infrastructure Development

Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has revealed the background behind the construction of IMIP Morowali Airport. The airport was built during his tenure as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment under President Joko Widodo's administration. The decision to build the airport was made to attract Chinese investment in Indonesia's nickel industry, particularly in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP).

Incentives for Foreign Investors

The airport was developed as a strategic incentive for investors, a practice also seen in other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand. "Regarding the permit for airport development, the decision was made during a meeting I chaired with various relevant agencies. It was offered as a facility for investors, as is commonly done in countries like Vietnam and Thailand," Luhut explained.

Integration with Industrial Park

The IMIP Morowali Airport is fully integrated with the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, which hosts various industrial portfolios backed by Chinese investments. This integration highlights Indonesia's efforts to create comprehensive industrial ecosystems that include supporting infrastructure. The airport's development is seen as a crucial element in facilitating the industrial activities within the IMIP.