In 1954, an airport was built in Central Sulawesi Province by the local government and the Donggala Public Works Agency and was named “MASOWU,” which in the local language (Kaili tribe) means dusty. This is in accordance with the conditions around the airport, which cause dust to fly when planes land.
The name MASOWU airport was only used for approximately two years, from 1954 to 1957. In 1957, this airport officially began operations. The first president of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno, named it MUTIARA Airport.
In 2014, the largest airport in Central Sulawesi officially changed its name from MUTIARA Airport to MUTIARA SIS AL-JUFRI PALU Airport in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number KP 178 of 2014. The name Sis Al-Jufri was taken from the name of a prominent figure in Central Sulawesi who played a role in educating the community through preaching and education. Sis Al-Jufri was also a figure who consistently opposed colonialism in Indonesia.
This airport also changed hands several times, being managed by the Donggala Regency Government (1963), before finally being handed over to the Department of Air Transportation/Directorate of Civil Aviation and the Head of Mutiara Airport (October 28, 1964).
In accordance with Circular Letter of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation IV No. SE129/Ot.103/Wp.IV-85 dated August 30, 1985, effective September 1, 1985.
In accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation No. KM 4 of 1995 concerning the Classification of Airports under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
In accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation No. KM 7 of 2008 dated February 12, 2008 concerning the Organization and Work Procedures of Airport Technical Implementation Units.
In accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation No. KP 178 of 2014 dated February 28, 2014, regarding the change of name of Mutiara Palu Airport to Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri Palu Airport.
In accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia No. 273/KMK.05/2017 dated March 13, 2017 concerning the Establishment of UPBU Mutiara Sis Al-Jufri as a BLU Work Unit.
In accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Transportation Number KM 37 and KM 38 of 2025 dated August 12, 2025, concerning the designation of 36 (thirty-six) public airports, 3 (three) special airports, and 1 (one) airport managed by the Regional Government as international airports.
