November 27, 2025 | 10:56 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - TB Hasanuddin, a member of Commission I of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, has raised concerns over a private airport operated by PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, warning that it could pose a threat to national security.
Hasanuddin claims the airport operates without proper state oversight.
He described IMIP Airport as a “stealth airport,” highlighting potential violations of legal regulations, as well as risks to security and sovereignty.
“This opens the door to smuggling, uncontrolled human traffic, and broader threats to national security,” Hasanuddin said in a written statement on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
According to the legislator, all airports, regardless of ownership, must comply with Law Number 1 of 2009 on Aviation and other regulations governing national security and supervision. “Airports are vital strategic assets. Ownership does not exempt them from full state control,” he added.
Hasanuddin emphasized the necessity of Customs, Immigration, and aviation authorities at every airport.
“Every movement of people and goods through the air must be recorded, supervised, and controlled by the state,” he said, urging the government to act promptly. “Investigate and take action against all officials or parties who allow the IMIP Morowali Airport to operate outside state control.”
The airport’s existence came to light when Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin observed Indonesian National Armed Forces exercises in Morowali on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He described the facility as an anomaly because it was operating without Customs or Immigration supervision
The Chairperson of the National Defense Council echoed these concerns, warning that Indonesia’s economic sovereignty could be at risk. Findings from the investigation will be reported to President Prabowo Subianto.
“This republic should not contain a republic within it. We must enforce all provisions regardless of anyone’s background,” Sjafrie said in a written statement posted on the Ministry of Defense website on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
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