NTT BPJN Responds: Red Belt Border Road Project Follows Procedures
KUPANG, KOMPAS.com — The Balai Pelaksanaan Jalan Nasional (BPJN) East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has officially responded to the wave of criticism hitting the Red Belt Road construction project along the Indonesia-Timor Leste border.
BPJN NTT claims that all on-site dynamics, from technical maintenance to the tendering process, have proceeded within the framework of applicable regulations.
“Based on an inventory by the PPK 2.4 of NTT Province, there are 11 points of damage for which the service provider PT Lince Maju Jaya KSO is responsible. This damage will certainly be resolved before the maintenance period ends or the Final Hand Over (FHO) in November 2026,” emphasised Fahrudin on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Regarding scrutiny from the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Aliansi Rakyat Anti Korupsi (ARAKSI) NTT on the segment from Alas (Malaka Regency) to Haekesak (Belu Regency), BPJN NTT states that the work has been physically completed since 28 November 2024.
Currently, the project is under strict supervision during the maintenance period by PT Batarajaya-Indoteknik until May 2026.
Unfavourable issues regarding contractor monopoly practices were also addressed in the clarification. Fahrudin explained that the appointment of service providers was conducted through a transparent and competitive electronic system via the Layanan Pengadaan Secara Elektronik (LPSE).
“PT Lince Maju Jaya KSO was designated as the winner because it had the lowest corrected bid price compared to other competitors such as PT Bumi Karsa and PT Adhi Karya. This process was carried out openly by the Special Goods/Services Procurement Team (TPBJK) of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR),” added Fahrudin.
In line with BPJN, the Project Leader of PT Lince Maju Jaya, Eko S. Yanto, expressed readiness to complete all necessary repairs. He affirmed that field operations had slowed only to respect the holiday period.
“The allegations (of monopoly) are fine, but they must be proven. In principle, we take full responsibility for this work. Activities were temporarily halted due to the Easter holidays and will soon resume,” said Eko.
However, with clarifications from BPJN and the contractor, it is hoped that the construction of this vital border infrastructure can continue according to target for inter-regional connectivity.