Erfan Maruf, Jakarta – State-owned construction company Hutama Karya has completed construction of the 9.3-kilometer Section 3A of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) toll road, linking Karangjoang to KKT Kariangau. The project is now undergoing a provisional handover process before entering an operational trial phase to strengthen access to Indonesia's future capital.
The company finished the work ahead of the government's target of December 2025, according to Hutama Karya Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary Adjib Al Hakim.
"Section 3A connects directly to the Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road, cutting travel time from Balikpapan to IKN to about one hour. Shorter access will support mobility for residents, government officials, and businesses," Adjib said in a statement on Tuesday.
The road forms part of a network with the existing Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road, reducing travel time from the current two to three hours. The section includes three lanes with a total width of 16.15 meters, three bridges spanning the winding Wain River with a combined length of 1.1 kilometers, four overpasses, and one underpass. Of the total stretch, 3.97 kilometers are elevated structures and 4.17 kilometers are built at grade.
"This will be the only toll road in Indonesia that crosses a winding river three times while also intersected by passing barges," Adjib added.
Hutama Karya applied digital-based construction methods – such as drone mapping, 3D – 5D design, and GPS paving – to improve efficiency and quality. The project has earned ISO certifications in quality, environment, occupational safety, and road safety.
During construction, the company also adopted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, including planting 25,000 mangroves, reinforcing slopes with vegetation, and stabilizing road shoulders with elephant grass. The project created hundreds of jobs, many of which went to local communities, and engaged dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the supply chain.
"Local businesses benefited directly from this project, which helped stimulate the surrounding economy," Adjib said.
The toll road was built in collaboration with a consortium of Hutama Karya, Adhi Karya, and Brantas Abipraya. The company recorded zero accidents and fatalities during construction.
Following the provisional handover, Section 3A will enter a 720-day maintenance period to ensure safety and performance. The toll road will only open for full public use once the entire IKN toll road network – spanning Sections 1A through 6C – is completed, which is projected by 2028.
"Hutama Karya is ready to carry out its government assignment to accelerate connectivity to IKN and spur regional economic growth," Adjib said.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/new-nusantara-toll-road-cuts-balikpapan-travel-time-to-one-hou