Low Quality, Tender for NTT Red Belt Road Project Suspected of Irregularities

KUPANG, KOMPAS.com - The Chairman of the Anti-Corruption People’s Alliance (ARAKSI) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Alfred Baun, has highlighted issues in the implementation of the Red Belt Road construction project in the NTT border area with Timor Leste.

The project is deemed problematic, both in terms of the tender process and the quality of on-site work.

Alfred explained that the Red Belt Road is a strategic national programme initiated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the 2023-2026 period.

The project stretches across the Timor mainland, passing through Kupang Regency, South Central Timor (TTS), North Central Timor (TTU), Belu, and Malaka, areas directly bordering Timor Leste.

“This programme is highly strategic, not only for connectivity but also for elevating the dignity of the Republic of Indonesia in the eyes of neighbouring countries,” Alfred told Kompas.com on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

For the 2023-2026 period, the allocated budget exceeds Rp 480 billion.

However, Alfred revealed that the project tender process is suspected of not following proper procedures.

He mentioned that the two winning companies, PT Batara Jaya and PT Lince Maju Jaya, are allegedly under the control of the same director.

“From our investigation results, there are indications of procedural errors in the tender mechanism that have impacted the poor quality of physical work on the ground,” he said.

ARAKSI has recorded several damages at various project points. In the western sector, particularly on the Saenam to Haumeni Ana and Napan segments, at least 14 damage points have been found that are considered difficult to repair, even though the maintenance period is still ongoing until November 2026.

Meanwhile, in the eastern sector, work on the Alas (Malaka Regency) to Haekesak (Belu Regency) segment is also delayed, even though the maintenance contract period is scheduled to end in May 2026.

Alfred also accused monopolistic practices by certain contractor groups. He stated that state budget funds worth hundreds of billions of rupiah are suspected of flowing to one contractor group from Jakarta through several different companies, such as PT Batara Jaya, PT Lince Maju Jaya, and PT Sampoerna.

Additionally, he assessed that these companies do not have Asphalt Mixing Plant (AMP) facilities or branch offices in the NTT region, particularly on the Timor mainland.