Construction on 50.14-kilometer Trans-Papua Highway Begins, Investment Costs Reach IDR 3.3 Trillion

Photo: Doc. Hutama Karya

JAKARTA - PT Hutama Mambelim Trans Papua (HMTP) has begun construction on the 50.14-kilometer (km) Mamberamo-Elelim segment of the Jayapura-Wamena Trans Papua Road. The project's estimated investment value reaches IDR 3.3 trillion.

HTMP serves as the Implementing Business Entity (BUP) formed by a consortium between PT Hutama Karya (Persero) or HK and PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI) to build this section of the Trans Papua road. This strategic infrastructure is designed to improve accessibility in the mountainous Papua Province.

Acting Director of HMTP, Kun Hartawan Adi Satria, stated that the construction of the Trans Papua Road is an effort to overcome the geographical isolation that poses a major challenge for communities living in remote areas of the mountainous Papua Province and to create a sustainable ecosystem that connects communities in these areas.

By August 2025, the HMTP had completed initial work, including clearing and clearing the right-of-way (Right of Way) for road construction, managing traffic flow by zone, and mapping the site using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology.

Furthermore, excavation and backfilling of the road surface were carried out, drainage installations were carried out in priority areas, slope management was carried out using geomats and concrete canvas, and the Road Performance Indicators (IKJ) were met during the construction period in five zones (STA 0+000-50+140).

"The construction of the Trans Papua Road requires strong support, collaboration, and coordination from various parties. This is crucial to ensure the construction process runs smoothly, on time, and meets the established completion targets," said Kun Hartawan in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday, September 2.

The signing of the Government-Private Partnership Agreement (PPP) for the project took place on July 3, 2024, followed by the signing of the Syndicated Financing Agreement on December 30, 2024. The maximum financing facility value is IDR 2.67 trillion, with a total estimated investment value of IDR 3.3 trillion.

To support the smooth construction process, HMTP actively coordinates with several stakeholders, such as the Directorate of Road Transportation Infrastructure of the Ministry of Transportation for the management of weighing facilities or the Motor Vehicle Weighing Implementation Unit (UPPKB) and the Traffic Impact Analysis (ANDALALIN) for traffic management.

Active coordination is also carried out with the Yalimo Regency Environmental Agency for the management of the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL), specifically the Environmental Management and Monitoring Efforts (UKL-UPL).

HMTP also synergizes with local security forces, including the Military Command (Koramil) and the Sector Police (Polsek), to maintain security in the project area.

Kun Hartawan added that outreach activities with traditional leaders and the community were also held in conjunction with the Bakar Batu (Burning Stone) tradition to respect local customs and support the smooth progress of the project.

The construction of the Trans Papua Road, Mamberamo-Elelim Segment, Jayapura-Wamena, is expected to provide direct benefits to the community. The project employs 116 local Papuan workers out of 413, or approximately 28 percent of the total workforce.

As construction of drainage and other civil works accelerates, the need for workers is projected to increase to approximately 2,000.

The Trans Papua Road, Jayapura-Wamena, is a vital access point connecting three provinces and eight regencies in Highland Papua. This development is expected to improve accessibility, streamline logistics distribution, strengthen the regional economy, and promote the welfare of the Indonesian people.

The HTMP will work on slope management at priority points, asphalting the road on ready segments, accelerating the construction of bridge abutments, and delivering the completed bridge frame.

As a manifestation of local cultural preservation, the bridge design on the Trans-Papua Highway will integrate traditional Papuan Honai motifs into the architectural elements, particularly the parapet.

"The ongoing construction will not disrupt public mobility, and the route will continue to function normally. We sincerely hope that the Trans-Papua Highway can be completed as planned. This will strengthen interregional connectivity and provide tangible benefits to the community," he concluded.