RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia anticipates stronger economic activity in Central Sulawesi following the expansion of Maleo Airport, a project aimed at boosting air connectivity and supporting Morowali’s rapidly growing industrial hub.

The airport upgrade, completed through cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation and China's PT Zhenshi Indonesia Industrial Park, is expected to facilitate the movement of workers, businesses, and logistics while increasing the region's competitiveness.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the project represents more than the completion of new infrastructure, describing it as a partnership that contributes to economic development and public welfare.

"Today we are not only witnessing the completion of an infrastructure project, but also a tangible partnership that benefits economic development and public welfare," Minister Dudy said in an official statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The ministry formally accepted the airport expansion after signing a grant agreement and handover document with PT Zhenshi Indonesia Industrial Park.

Minister Dudy also expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and the company for supporting the development of Maleo Airport. He said the expansion is part of Indonesia's commitment to ensuring aviation infrastructure keeps pace with Morowali's industrial growth.

He added that better airport facilities are expected to improve connectivity for residents, business operators, workers, and cargo distribution while supporting broader regional development.

The project included improvements to the runway strip and Runway End Safety Area (RESA), ground reinforcement using the CFG Pile method, a 300-meter runway extension, construction of a turning area, installation of airside fencing, and upgraded runway markings.

The work covered more than 54,000 square meters and was funded through a grant valued at IDR 177.99 billion.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will continue upgrading Maleo Airport through runway strengthening, apron expansion, and additional navigation and visual aid systems, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft while maintaining aviation safety and security standards.

Indonesia also highlighted its growing aviation partnership with China, including cooperation through the 17th ASEAN-China Working Group on Regional Air Services Arrangements (ACWG-RASA), held in Yogyakarta earlier this month.

The Indonesian government expressed hope for China's support for the country's candidacy for the ICAO Council, reinforcing its commitment to contributing to international civil aviation and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. ***