In the mountainous heart of Papua, where thick jungle and steep terrain once made overland travel nearly impossible, a transformative project is underway: the Trans-Papua Highway. More than just a road, this infrastructure initiative is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s vision to ensure connectivity, national integration, and equitable development in its easternmost province.
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has been officially deployed to assist in completing key segments of the road, especially in areas plagued by security threats from armed separatist groups. Their involvement is part of a broader government strategy to overcome obstacles that have long hindered the region’s economic and social advancement.
A National Commitment to Infrastructure and Equality
Spanning over 4,330 kilometers, the Trans-Papua Highway links Merauke in the south to Sorong in the west, cutting across Papua’s remote highlands. Since construction began in earnest under BJ Habibie’s administration (1999) until Joko Widodo’s administration (2024), the project has aimed to open up access to basic services, education, healthcare, and local markets.
However, construction progress has faced severe disruptions—not from nature alone, but from the violent actions of separatist groups, particularly the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). These groups, designated as armed criminal groups (KKB) and later formally acknowledged as separatist insurgents, have launched repeated attacks on civilian workers and security personnel, halting projects and spreading fear among communities.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in 2018, when armed separatists massacred 31 civilian workers in Nduga Regency. This act of terror prompted the government to reinforce its security presence and bring in the TNI to protect vital infrastructure development and restore stability.
TNI and Ministry of Public Works: A Strategic Collaboration
Recognizing the urgency of completing delayed infrastructure, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has formally partnered with the TNI to resume and accelerate construction in high-risk areas.
According to the Minister of PUPR, the involvement of the military is not only essential for ensuring safety but also for deploying technical expertise in remote regions where private contractors often withdraw due to violence or logistical barriers.
TNI engineers—specifically Zipur (Engineering Corps) battalions—are now actively working alongside civilian teams. In districts like Wamena, Yahukimo, and Intan Jaya, they are building bridges, culverts, and jungle-clearance corridors. These are the physical manifestations of a nation connecting its farthest regions—not just by roads, but by shared purpose.
“When others stop, TNI continues. They don’t abandon the mission just because the situation gets tough,” said a senior official at the PUPR Ministry.
Security, Not Suppression: Protecting Lives and Progress
Critics often frame TNI’s presence in Papua as militarization. However, the ground reality presents a different picture. TNI’s role is focused on security, protection, and enabling civilian development. Without their support, critical infrastructure would remain incomplete, leaving communities isolated and vulnerable.
Groups such as TPNPB-OPM, however, oppose the project because they see it as a barrier to their separatist agenda. They have openly attacked construction sites, ambushed convoys, and even used civilians as human shields, according to TNI field reports. These violent acts not only endanger public safety but also undermine the hopes of local Papuans who wish to benefit from better access and services.
To counter these threats, the government launched Operation Cartenz’s Peace, combining law enforcement and humanitarian missions to secure development areas and ensure that Papuan civilians are not left behind.
A Road That Connects Lives, Not Just Cities
Each completed bridge or opened segment of the highway is not just a feat of engineering—it’s a lifeline. In regions like Nduga, where infrastructure was previously nonexistent, TNI personnel are building more than just roads. They are delivering food aid, offering medical services, and supporting small-scale agriculture by purchasing produce from local farmers.
Thanks to improved connectivity, residents in towns like Timika, Nabire, and Wamena are experiencing faster transportation, lower logistics costs, and better access to supplies and healthcare. Clinics once unreachable are now regularly visited by mobile medical teams supported by the military. For students and patients, this can mean the difference between isolation and opportunity.
Supporting Indonesia’s Sovereignty and National Integration
The completion of the Trans-Papua Highway is not merely a logistical achievement—it is a statement of unity. It embodies the Indonesian government’s commitment to ensuring that Papua receives the same development attention as other provinces. The road plays a strategic role in closing regional gaps and affirming the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia over every inch of its territory.
In January 2019, when civilian contractors abandoned sixteen bridges due to separatist attacks, the TNI took over and finished the job. This swift response was crucial in restoring public trust and proving that no act of violence will halt Indonesia’s development vision.
Countering Misperceptions and Building Trust
It is crucial to recognize that development and security are not mutually exclusive. TNI operations are conducted under strict codes of conduct, with continuous efforts to minimize civilian casualties and protect local rights. The government’s long-term objective is not militarization but integration—both physical and social.
To ensure the project remains inclusive, several policy recommendations are being considered:
- Involving local leaders and indigenous communities in planning stages.
- Increasing transparency in military operations and communications.
- Expanding social and economic programs alongside infrastructure.
- Creating community-based forums to address concerns peacefully.
The government believes that through respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity, Papuans will see the Trans-Papua Highway not as a threat but as a gateway to prosperity.
Looking Ahead: Papua as Part of Indonesia’s Future
Until now, the Indonesian government has finished 4,005 kilometers of the Trans-Papua Highway project, with 325 kilometers (15%) under construction and targeted for completion in Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The Trans-Papua Highway is on track to transform Papua’s economic landscape. While challenges remain—particularly regarding difficult terrain and armed threats—TNI’s presence is a stabilizing force, helping to complete what was once deemed impossible.
For Jakarta, the highway is proof that development can reach even the most remote corners of the archipelago. For Papuan youth, it opens new roads—literally and figuratively—toward education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
As Indonesia celebrates its unity in diversity, projects like the Trans-Papua Highway serve as vital reminders that development, when protected and inclusive, can be the most powerful path toward peace.
Conclusion
The Trans-Papua Highway stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to unity, development, and equal opportunity for all its citizens—including those in the most remote parts of Papua. While the project faces complex challenges, particularly from separatist threats, the Indonesian government’s decision to involve the TNI reflects a strategic and necessary move to protect infrastructure, workers, and civilians.
TNI’s dual role—ensuring security and supporting civilian development—has already brought tangible benefits: improved access to healthcare, better connectivity, and new economic opportunities for local communities. Rather than representing militarization, their presence reinforces the state’s determination to complete a long-overdue promise to the people of Papua.
In the long run, the Trans-Papua Highway is more than just a road. It is a path toward national integration, peace, and prosperity. With continued collaboration, community involvement, and inclusive governance, this vital infrastructure will help bridge the past with a better future—for Papua and for Indonesia as a whole.