Bintunan–Urai Ketahun Ex National Road Eroded, Bengkulu Provincial Government Asks Central Government Fulfill Its Promise To Repair It

BENGKULU - The Bengkulu Provincial Government has requested the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) immediately repair the former Bintunan–Urai Ketahun national road in North Bengkulu Regency, which is in danger of being cut off due to abrasion.

Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian stated that Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan had sent a letter to the Directorate General of Highways on Monday, July 29, 2025, requesting immediate repairs. This step was taken considering the road's condition, which has become dangerous for road users traveling through the area.

"We are questioning the road repair plan and have contacted the Head of the Bengkulu National Road Authority (BPJN), Zepnat," Mian said in Bengkulu, Antara reported, Thursday, August 7.

According to Mian, although the road currently has the status of a former national road, its assets are still registered as the responsibility of the central government. Therefore, repairs remain the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works. After repairs, the Bengkulu Provincial Government has proposed that the road be transferred to a regional asset and under the authority of the regional government.

The plan to change the status of this road is also considered in line with Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 11 of 2025 concerning the Acceleration of Regional Road Connectivity Improvement in order to support the food and energy self-sufficiency program.

In addition to the Bintunan-Urai Ketahun section, the Bengkulu Provincial Government has also requested the central government to repair several road and bridge infrastructure under national responsibility, including bridges that have reportedly collapsed at several locations.

To maintain the condition of roads that have been built or repaired, the Bengkulu Provincial Government has requested police action against mining and plantation transportation companies operating vehicles exceeding their load capacity.

The regional government has also urged mining transportation operators to comply with load limits according to the class and status of existing roads in the Bengkulu region.

In addition to requests to the central government, the Bengkulu Provincial Government is currently constructing several road sections under its own authority. For the first phase, in 2025, a budget of IDR 600 billion was allocated. The second and third phases are planned for 2026 and 2027, each with a budget of approximately IDR 1 trillion.