Kuala Kencana, Green City with Complete Facilities and Hidden Uniqueness in Mimika
Kuala Kencana, a unique area in Mimika, Papua with modern facilities and a comfortable green atmosphere, offers a different view in the midst of Papua’s nature.
Kuala Kencana, a district in Mimika Regency, Papua, is a modern area that is different from the image of Papua which is identical with wilderness and dense forests.
The city is managed by PT Freeport Indonesia and is the administrative center and residential area for the company’s employees.
Located in the middle of a tropical forest, Kuala Kencana has successfully combined advanced technology with natural sustainability, making it a unique city that is not widely known.
History and Background of Kuala Kencana
Originally called Kota Baru, the area was inaugurated as Kuala Kencana on December 5, 1995 by the 2nd President of Indonesia, Soeharto.
The name “Kuala Kencana,” meaning “Golden Pot,” reflects the vision of the area as a center for managing valuable resources with modern infrastructure.
Located about 15 minutes drive from Timika, Kuala Kencana is now the administrative center and residential area for PT Freeport Indonesia workers and their families.
Kuala Kencana District covers an area of 860.74 square kilometers with complete facilities, including modern housing, sports centers, education, and office areas.
Although originally part of Fakfak Regency, Kuala Kencana now stands alone as a recognized district since 2011. There are two sub-districts and eight villages in this area, making it one of the important centers in Mimika Regency.
Geographical Location of Kuala Kencana
Kuala Kencana is a lowland area without a coastline that is at an altitude of around 200 to 1,600 meters above sea level.
The area is surrounded by primary and secondary forests that create a green and beautiful atmosphere. The district borders several other districts in Mimika Regency:
- North: Deiyai Regency
- South: Iwaka District, Kwamki Narama District, and New Mimika District
- West: New Mimika District
- East: West Mimika District
Unique Facts about Kuala Kencana
1. Not a tourist area
Kuala Kencana is not a common tourist destination. This area is a limited area specifically for housing and employee facilities of PT Freeport Indonesia. Therefore, access to Kuala Kencana is restricted.
Visitors who wish to enter must have an identity card or special permit, and every vehicle entering or leaving is strictly checked at the border checkpoint between Timika and Kuala Kencana.
2. City Without Electric Poles
Kuala Kencana is a pioneer in the implementation of underground utilities in Indonesia. All electricity, communication, clean water, and sewage networks are installed underground.
This not only makes the environment look neater, but also increases the security and stability of the infrastructure in the area.
Kuala Kencana is also the first city in Indonesia to implement a wastewater channel system that is directly connected to a processing center, an innovation that precedes many other big cities in Indonesia.
3. Western style housing
The residential area in Kuala Kencana is designed in a western style, giving a different feel from the residential areas in general in Indonesia. The houses here are built without fences and have large yards, creating a modern and open impression.
The arrangement of the houses is also neat and blends with the surrounding natural environment. Some of the main housing complexes in Kuala Kencana include Bumi Satwa Indah, Tirta Indah, the Apartment complex, and Jl. Bougenville.
4. Complete Facilities for Residents
Although located in the middle of the Papuan forest, Kuala Kencana provides complete facilities for its residents.
In addition to the PT Freeport Indonesia office and employee housing, there are also sports facilities, such as a soccer field, indoor badminton and futsal courts, an Olympic-standard swimming pool, and a golf course.
Other public facilities include schools, a town square called The Plaza, restaurants, a library, and banking services. For worship needs, mosques and churches are provided, so that residents can carry out their worship comfortably.
5. Green and beautiful atmosphere
Kuala Kencana is designed with environmental sustainability in mind, creating a green and beautiful city atmosphere. Many parks and green areas with expanses of grass and trees provide fresh air and comfort for its residents.
The spatial concept of Kuala Kencana prioritizes the beauty and natural beauty while maintaining environmental balance, making this city like an oasis in the middle of the Papuan forest.
Tips for Visiting Kuala Kencana
Although it is not a public tourist area, there are several things to note if you get permission to visit Kuala Kencana:
1. Check the Entry Rules
Make sure you have the necessary permits or ID cards, as strict checks are carried out at the city entry points.
2. Maintain Cleanliness and Order
Kuala Kencana is known as a green and clean area, so it is important to maintain cleanliness during your visit.
3. Comply with Security and Privacy Rules
As an exclusive area with many private facilities, please respect the applicable rules, especially in residential areas and employee facilities.
Kuala Kencana in Mimika, Papua, is proof that a city with a modern and environmentally friendly concept can stand in the middle of the wilderness.
Designed with careful planning, this city provides comfort and complete facilities for residents, while maintaining the natural environment.
With the first underground utilities concept in Indonesia, a housing style without fences, and complete sports and education facilities, Jayawijaya Mountains is a unique city that is hard to find in Indonesia.
For those who live or work here, Kuala Kencana is not just a place to live, but also a comfortable home in the midst of Papua’s nature. Although not a tourist destination, this area shows another side of Papua that is not only beautiful, but also full of innovation.
