Marriott to start building hotel in Merauke by July 2025

Property multinational company Marriott International plans to build a Marriott hotel in Merauke Regency, South Papua Province. The hotel development plan was discussed in a meeting chaired by South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo at his office on June 23, 2025. The meeting was also attended by South Papua Province Papuan Regional Legislative Council (DPRP) representatives, PT Puri Abadi Indonesia as the project's developer, and the project planning consultant.

Apolo stated that the planned entry of the world-renowned hotel chain is a solution for the currently limited space and accommodation capacity of space and accommodation capacity in Merauke Regency. He elaborated that the province's already high hotel occupancy rate as well as the high frequency of activities and visits from central government bodies have raised the urgency for additional facilities.

"The Marriott Hote's construction will begin next month (July 2025), and is targeted to open early next year," Apolo revealed.

In addition, the Marriott Hotel's planned construction is also seen as a strategic move to enhance Merauke Regency's image and competitiveness as a growth center in South Papua. The hotel hotel is expected to become an alternative location for various large-scale events in addition to the existing Swiss-Belhotel location.

Furthermore, the Marriott Hotel's construction is expected to have a direct impact on the community, especially in terms of employment.

"This will create many job opportunities. We encourage the majority of workers to be Merauke residents, so that the economic benefits directly benefit the local community," Apolo emphasized.

During the meeting, the governor also instructed the project planning consultant to integrate cultural ornaments and distinctive features of traditional houses from cultures of four regencies in South Papua into the hotel's architectural design. He believes it is crucial for local identity to be strongly represented in strategic infrastructure development.

"South Papuan motifs, architecture, and identity must be part of the hotel's image. This is not just about business, but also about local pride and identity," he noted.

The plan to build the Marriott Hotel is part of the regional government's strategic steps to develop the local tourism sector, support government activities, and accelerate regional economic growth through investment in the services sector and the hospitality industry.