Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s statement about alleged “anomalies” at the airport in the Morowali mining area, Central Sulawesi, has triggered a chain reaction among government institutions. The Defense Minister, after the TNI Integrated Exercise, stated that the airport operates “without having state apparatus” inside it, which raises concerns about threats to sovereignty and national economic stability.

“This republic must not have a republic within a republic. We must enforce all regulations without looking at the background of where they come from,” emphasized Sjafrie, who promised to present the evaluation results to President Prabowo Subianto.

Strategic Threats and Defense Ministry Response

The Defense Minister highlighted the airport’s strategic location, close to the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes II and III, reinforcing concerns that the absence of state supervision creates opportunities for illegal activities that harm national wealth.

The Head of the Defense Information Bureau explained that the Minister’s statement serves as a general warning about the importance of state presence at every vital facility.

“The absence of state supervision at an airport can create gaps for unrecorded activities, which could impact national security and economic traffic,” the official stated.

TNI Takes Swift Action: Quick Reaction Force Security

In response to the Defense Minister’s directive, the TNI Headquarters took immediate action. The Head of the TNI Information Center expressed full readiness:

  • Troop Deployment: The Quick Reaction Force Corps has been prepared to secure the vital facility.

  • Objective: To ensure all national strategic facilities are under full state supervision, including licensing, monitoring, and security aspects.

Transportation Ministry Clarification: Official Status and Licensing

The Defense Minister’s statement was immediately addressed by the Ministry of Transportation. The Deputy Minister of Transportation denied allegations that the airport operates without proper authorization.

“It is registered, that (IMIP Airport) is registered. It’s impossible for an airport not to be registered,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

The Ministry of Transportation confirmed that the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) Special Airport is officially registered with the Ministry (ICAO code WAMP, IATA code MWS), and its management complies with Law Number 1 of 2009 concerning Aviation. The Deputy Minister added that the supervision system has been implemented according to procedures, and has even been strengthened with additional personnel deployment from various cross-sectoral agencies including the Ministry of Transportation, Customs, and Police.

Morowali mining area

The Morowali mining area, located in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a major global hub for nickel extraction and processing. Its development was historically driven by the discovery of vast nickel reserves, but it expanded dramatically in the 2010s with significant Chinese investment to support the stainless steel and electric vehicle battery industries. The area is now dominated by the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), a massive integrated facility that has transformed the local economy and environment.

Central Sulawesi

Central Sulawesi is a province on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, known for its rugged, forested terrain and significant ethnic diversity. Historically, it was home to ancient megalithic cultures, with the Lore Lindu National Park containing hundreds of mysterious prehistoric stone statues. The region also has a history of powerful kingdoms and later became a center for trade and the spread of Islam.

Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes II

The Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) II is a designated shipping corridor that runs north-south through the Makassar Strait and the Lombok Strait. It was formally established by the Indonesian government to balance its sovereignty as an archipelagic state with the international right of transit passage, as permitted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This route is a critical and deep-water channel for international maritime traffic moving between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes III

The Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) III is one of three designated north-south maritime corridors through Indonesia’s territorial waters. It facilitates international shipping and air travel, running from the Sulawesi Sea, through the Makassar Strait and the Flores Sea, to the Indian Ocean. Its establishment is governed by Indonesian law and international maritime law (UNCLOS) to balance Indonesia’s sovereignty with the rights of foreign vessels for continuous and expeditious passage.

IMIP Airport

IMIP Airport, also known as Imam Khomeini International Airport, is the primary international airport serving Tehran, Iran. It opened in 2004 and was named after Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. The airport was built to replace the older Mehrabad Airport as the country’s main international gateway.

Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park

The Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park is a major industrial complex located in Central Sulawesi, focused primarily on nickel processing. It was developed through a partnership between Indonesian and Chinese companies to leverage the region’s vast nickel reserves. The park has become a global hub for the production of stainless steel and is increasingly critical for the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Law Number 1 of 2009 concerning Aviation

This is not a place or cultural site, but an Indonesian law. Law Number 1 of 2009 concerning Aviation replaced the 1992 Aviation Law to modernize Indonesia’s air transport regulations. It was created to improve safety, security, and service standards in line with international aviation developments.