Palu, February 12, 2026 – The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, together with stakeholders, continues to finalize operational preparations for Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport as an international airport, ahead of the planned inaugural international flight from Palu to Guangzhou, China, on April 17, 2026.
As part of these preparations, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held to pre-launch Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport as an international airport. The event was officially opened by the Deputy Governor of Central Sulawesi, Dr. Reny A. Lamadjido, M.Kes., and attended by the Central Sulawesi Provincial Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), leaders and members of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), heads of regional government agencies (OPD), business actors, and relevant strategic stakeholders.
The FGD was attended by the Head of the Makassar Region V Airport Authority Office, Capt. M. Mauludin, representing the Director General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F. Laisa, and the Head of Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri International Airport, Prasetiyohadi. In his remarks, Capt. M. Mauludin emphasized the commitment of the central and regional governments to supporting the operation of Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport as an international gateway in Eastern Indonesia.
On the same occasion, a memorandum of support was signed for the pre-launching of Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri International Airport. This agreement involved 13 district/city governments across Central Sulawesi, as well as support from several strategic companies and associations, including PT. Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (PT. IMIP), PT. Gunbuster Nickel Industry (PT. GNI), Alliance of Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies (AITTA), and PT. Cocos Tour Indonesia. This signing demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting the sustainability of international flights in Central Sulawesi.
The FGD featured several speakers, including Mr. Prasetiyohadi, Head of Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri International Airport; Mr. Mohammad Dino Gobel, a representative of PT Cocos Tour Indonesia; and I Gede Yogantara Teguh Ekowijaya, Head of the Alliance of Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies (AITTA). The discussion focused on airport operational readiness, the potential of the international aviation market, and the synergy between the government and businesses in supporting the Palu-Guangzhou route, which will be operated by China Southern Airlines.
On this occasion, Mr. Prasetiyohadi stated that preparations for immigration clearance facilities (CIQ) and terminal infrastructure continue to be accelerated in accordance with international standards to ensure smooth international flight operations. The Palu-Guangzhou route is considered strategic as the first step in direct connectivity between Central Sulawesi and China, particularly in supporting the investment, tourism, industry, and economic sectors of Central Sulawesi.
Through this FGD, the local government and all stakeholders expressed optimism that international flight operations at Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Airport will run smoothly and sustainably, providing tangible benefits to the regional economy. Strong and ongoing support from the central government, local governments, and the business community is expected to be the main foundation for maintaining the continuity of international flight services and strengthening global connectivity in Central Sulawesi.
