BDKR, Masterpancang enters into JO for IPIP area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi

PT Berdikari Pondasi Perkasa (BDKR) is collaborating with PT Masterpancang Pondasi to expand its access and participation in large-scale construction projects, particularly in the Indonesia Pomalaa Industry Park (IPIP) area in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province.

BDKR Operations Director Tan Franciscus stated that the collaboration between the company and Masterpancang has been agreed upon within the framework of a joint operation (JO) agreement. The JO aims to strengthen BDKR's business position amid increased construction activities in industrial areas based on natural resources downstream industry development.

"This collaboration represents a positive moment for BDKR, a specialist in foundations, ground improvement, marine and jetty construction, and heavy lift and crane rental. Through this synergy, the company will not only expand its project network but also increase its competitiveness in facing several complex projects that require [high] technical capacity," he explained in an official statement on Dec. 22, 2025.

The IPIP area is projected to grow rapidly in line with the government's push for the nickel downstream industry development and national electric vehicle (EV) battery industry supply chain strengthening programs, since the integrated industrial area is designed as a nickel-cobalt and battery material production center to support the global EV industry through local mineral processing.

The IPIP area is developed and managed by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd. The major Chinese investor is known as a giant in the battery materials sector and a global player in the EV battery supply chain, with numerous mining and processing projects worldwide.

This situation opens up opportunities for geotechnical and heavy civil engineering project contractors to participate in the development programs.

BDKR's collaboration with Masterpancang also provides strategic value in terms of professional network access. Masterpancang has established working relationships with stakeholders involved in the construction of the IPIP area, thus opening up opportunities for BDKR's participation in the growing project chain. This network allows for faster communication with area developers, while also providing an early understanding of construction requirements, construction schedules, and applicable technical standards.

Franciscus believes that the collaboration with Masterpancang is a strategic step for the company to address the challenges of large-scale projects in new industrial areas, such as the IPIP area. Masterpancang is known as a company with experience in geotechnical engineering for structural foundation services, heavy civil engineering, and integrated engineering work across various strategic projects.

"Thus, through the JO between BDKR and Masterpancang, we will combine technical competencies in foundation work and soil engineering, experience in handling industrial projects, and the availability of heavy equipment and specialized tools," he said.

Frans is optimistic that this strategic collaboration will positively contribute to BDKR's revenue in the next few years. By opening access to projects at IPIP, the company could secure large-value contracts that can support sustainable top-line growth. Operational cost efficiencies through resource sharing, optimizing heavy equipment use, and sharing project risks through the JO scheme with Masterpancang are also believed to be able to maintain BDKR's healthy profit margins.

BDKR's management views the IPIP area as a long-term and sustainable strategic market. The development of this industrial area will create recurring construction needs, from the initial construction phase to future industrial facility expansion. Optimism regarding this prospect is also supported by the growing investment trend in the mineral processing and refining industry. Nickel-based industrial areas are becoming a new driver of economic growth, particularly in Southeast Sulawesi, in line with increasing global demand for raw materials for EV batteries.

During the first nine months of 2025, BDKR posted Rp 282.7 billion of revenue and a net profit of Rp 10.9 billion. The company also reduced its liabilities by 31.5 percent year-to-date (ytd) to Rp 391.71 billion by the end of September 2025, with its total equity reaching Rp 753.35 billion.