Indonesian contractor PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (Wika) has achieved 16.43% progress in the construction of IKN Toll Road Section 1B in East Kalimantan, as of 1 September 2025. This is 5% ahead of schedule, said the company. IKN (Ibu Kota Nusantara) is the planned new capital city of Indonesia.

A number of major works are currently underway, including the construction of Ramps 1 to 4 and excavation work on the Mainroad STA 0+000 to STA 0+500. On Ramps 1 and 2, Wika is building a special span structure with box girder that will cross the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road using the form traveller method. For the Mainroad STA 0+000 to STA 0+500, excavation work has been completed and is now entering the foundation layer paving stage (LPA and LPB).

According to Wika, the company adopts various technologies to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the project. Building information modelling (BIM) is applied from the survey stage to modelling, integrated with real-time GPS-based GNSS surveying methods, photogrammetry with drones, and the use of LIDAR for field data acquisition.

The construction of this new road also focuses on sustainability and social benefits, shared Wika’s president director Agung Budi Waskito. “We are committed to implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through the use of environmentally friendly materials such as recycled plastic for fencing, construction waste management, and social and greening programmes around the project,” he said.

In addition to ensuring sustainability, the IKN Section 1B Toll Road is expected to accelerate mobility upon completion, open up new economic opportunities and provide tangible benefits for the people of East Kalimantan. The project will serve as a vital route, reducing travel time between Balikpapan and IKN to just 50 minutes. It is also aimed to drive economic growth and strengthen connectivity among the three major cities in East Kalimantan: IKN, Balikpapan and Samarinda.