Tembagapura is a small town located in the Papua province of Indonesia. It is situated in the highlands of western New Guinea, near the border with Papua New Guinea. The town was established in the 1970s as a base for the Freeport-McMoRan mining company, which operates the Grasberg mine, one of the largest gold and copper mines in the world.
Tembagapura is primarily a company town, with most of the residents being employees of Freeport-McMoRan and their families. The town provides housing, schools, hospitals, and other facilities for its residents.
Due to its remote location and the mountainous terrain, access to Tembagapura is limited. The town can be reached by air through Timika Airport, and then by road or helicopter. The construction of a new highway, known as the Trans-Papua Highway, is currently underway to improve access to the town.
Tembagapura is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including lush rainforests and towering mountains. The town is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Indonesia.
However, for security reasons, access to Tembagapura is restricted and visitors are required to obtain special permits. The town is heavily guarded due to ongoing tensions between the Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the Indonesian government.
Overall, Tembagapura is a unique and isolated town, primarily known for its mining industry and natural beauty, but it also faces challenges related to accessibility and security.