Palembang-Jambi Toll Road Delayed by Land Acquisition, KSP Hands Down

JAKARTA - The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) reviewed the progress of the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) Palembang-Betung-Tempino-Jambi section, which is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) to strengthen connectivity in southern Sumatra.

During the working visit to the Musi V Bridge area, the construction progress of the Palembang-Betung section was recorded at 82.24 percent, while the Betung-Tempino-Jambi section reached 58.34 percent.

The working visit was part of supervision, coordination and support for accelerating the completion of strategic connectivity projects on the island of Sumatra.

In addition to reviewing the construction progress on the ground, this activity also became a momentum for cross-stakeholder coordination to encourage the completion of various project challenges, especially the acceleration of land acquisition.

One of the main concerns during the visit was the acceleration of the land acquisition process on the Palembang-Betung and Betung-Tempino-Jambi toll roads.

Land settlement is considered an important factor so that construction work can run optimally and according to target.

Deputy IV of the KSP, Fadjar Dwi Wishnuwardhani, said his party would continue to monitor the acceleration of the construction of the Palembang-Betung-Tempino-Jambi Toll Road as a strategic project that plays an important role in the equitable development of Sumatra.

"We will record and report specifically to the Presidential Chief of Staff regarding the development and obstacles that are still faced in the implementation of this project," said Fadjar as quoted from a written statement, Tuesday, May 26.

Fadjar hopes that various obstacles that exist can be immediately coordinated and a solution can be found together.

So that the construction of the Palembang-Betung-Tempino-Jambi Toll Road can run more optimally and provide broad benefits for the community.

Meanwhile, Acting Executive Vice President (EVP) Secretary of Hutama Karya Hamdani said that the construction of the toll road is an important part of strengthening the connectivity of Sumatra, especially in connecting the South Sumatra region to Jambi.

"The existence of this toll road is expected to be able to reduce the traffic density that has occurred on the national road, so that the public can get more efficient travel time," he said.

In addition, the toll will also facilitate logistics and distribution of goods, so that it can support economic growth and strengthen connectivity between regions in Sumatra.

According to Hamdani, his party continues to be committed to completing the construction of JTTS gradually while still paying attention to aspects of quality, safety, project governance, and active coordination with all stakeholders.

The construction of the Palembang-Betung-Tempino-Jambi Toll Road is expected to become one of the important corridors to increase the connectivity of southern Sumatra.

Then, facilitate logistics distribution, reduce the burden of existing national road traffic, and encourage the growth of new economic areas around the toll road corridor.