South Papua Provincial Assembly Building Project to Resume After Legal Finalization

The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed that the construction project for the South Papua Provincial People's Assembly (MRP) building in Merauke Regency will resume after the legal process reaches a legally binding decision (Inkrah). Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, stated that South Papua Province is a New Autonomous Region (DOB), and its development is part of the National Strategic Program. He noted that President Prabowo Subianto's direction emphasizes equitable development and strengthening the Papua region as crucial elements for inclusive national development. "The development of DOBs needs to be supported by adequate infrastructure. Therefore, collaboration between the central and regional governments is important so that development can proceed according to needs and support services to the community," Dody said in a written statement on Monday (21/9/2026). The project was halted after the contractor, PT Tureloto Battu Indah, failed to complete the work by the agreed deadline of December 10, 2025. After receiving three critical contract warning letters, the contractor's contract was terminated according to standard operating procedures (SOP). The case then proceeded with a lawsuit filed by the service provider, PT Tureloto Battu Indah. Based on the Jayapura District Court's decision on September 3, 2026, the panel of judges rejected the lawsuit filed by the plaintiff, citing a lack of parties. The plaintiff is currently pursuing an appeal, filed on September 9, 2026. The Acting Director General of Cipta Karya, Meike Kencanawulan Martawidjaja, explained that her office respects the legal steps taken by the service provider and will follow the entire process. Previously, the contract termination was carried out by the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) of the Papua Selatan Building, Infrastructure, and Area Arrangement Center (BPBPK) in accordance with applicable procedures. "The contract termination was based on the evaluation results of the service provider's performance in completing the work by BPBPK. The service provider was assessed as unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, having reached Show Cause Meeting (SCM) stage III," said Mieke. Mieke added that the service provider's work progress showed a significant negative deviation and did not improve despite being given opportunities for correction. This condition was part of the consideration in making the decision regarding the contract's continuation. "We understand that the legal process also affects the work schedule on the ground. However, the government remains committed to ensuring that the construction of the South Papua MRP Building can continue after legal certainty is obtained, while still adhering to technical, administrative, and government procurement regulations." The South Papua MRP building is designed not only as a government facility but also as a structure that represents the identity and cultural character of South Papua. The building adopts a symmetrical, robust, and authoritative modern government architectural style, in line with the MRP's function as an institution playing a role in the social, cultural, and regional governance life. Local Papua characteristics are also present through the adoption of cultural elements on the pillars at the main entrance area. Additionally, the use of traditional carved ornaments on parts of the building further strengthens the cultural identity of South Papua, ensuring the building reflects the region's cultural richness beyond its administrative function.