Morowali, Central Sulawesi. A privately operated airport inside one of the world’s largest nickel-processing hubs has ignited a national debate over sovereignty and regulatory oversight in Indonesia, after senior officials alleged the facility runs without full supervision from the central government.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin questioned the status of the airport located within the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), as reports indicate it operates independently without on-site customs enforcement or national security personnel -- a condition that could allow unauthorized movement of people or goods.

The IMIP complex -- powered by Chinese and Indonesian investment and central to the global electric-vehicle battery supply chain -- has become a strategic pillar of Indonesia’s industrial strategy. 

During a visit to Morowali on November 25, Sjafrie said any airport functioning without central authority challenges the integrity of the state.

“Within the Republic, there can be no ‘second republic.’ All regulations must be enforced regardless of background,” he said.

Sjafrie added that his findings will be submitted directly to President Prabowo Subianto as the basis for policy corrections and regulatory tightening.

The controversy has drawn political attention at the regional level. Musliman, a Central Sulawesi provincial legislator, called on both provincial and national governments to take action.

“The sovereignty of the state must be upheld,” he said.

In Jakarta, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government would verify whether the airport is properly licensed. He noted that the operator had once applied for a permit.

“We will examine whether the airport has the required authorization. If I’m not mistaken, they previously obtained a special permit,” Purbaya told reporters, adding that the ministry is ready to deploy customs officers if needed.

The IMIP management has rejected claims of irregular operations. In a written statement, IMIP Media Relations Manager Dedy Kurniawan said the airport is registered with the Ministry of Transportation.

He noted that Indonesia’s Aviation Law No. 1/2009 allows special-purpose airports to support industrial operations as long as they have ministerial approval. The law, however, prohibits such facilities from handling international traffic or general commercial passengers.