Speeded Up By His Job, Padang-Pekanbaru Toll Road Padang-Sicincin Section Operates Free July

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

PT Hutama Karya (Persero) is finalizing one of the sections of the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS), namely the Padang-Pekanbaru Toll Road, Padang-Sicincin Section, which is targeted for completion in mid-2024.

Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Corporate Secretary of Hutama Karya, Adjib Al Hakim said, currently Hutama Karya together with the Padang-Sicincin Toll contractor, PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI), are focusing on completing a 36.6 kilometer (km) project.

Currently, the progress has reached 58.76 percent and is targeted to operate functionally for free in July 2024.

"If previously faced a number of challenges, currently the project is progressing significantly, especially after getting support from stakeholders. Starting from the Governor, Deputy Governor, Kapolda to Danrem 032/Wirabraja, because the presence of this toll road will provide great benefits for the development of the West Sumatra region," said Adjib quoted from the official website of Hutama Karya, Tuesday, April 30.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah said the existence of this toll road provides many new hopes for the community, especially in driving the economy.

"The existence of toll roads will make it easier, accelerate, bring distance closer and facilitate access. Therefore, the people of West Sumatra hope that the implementation of this toll road work can be completed more quickly," he said.

In terms of community empowerment, Hutama Karya also provides opportunities for local residents to contribute to the development of this project, by opening up jobs involving wali nagari and children of nagari.

Wali Nagari Pasie Laweh Lubuk Alung Peri Adinur said that the presence of this toll road project could embrace all elements, starting from the community and local youth who want to work with their respective skills.

"We really appreciate it because this is very helpful in improving the economic level of the local community," he said.

As for the Padang-Pekanbaru Toll project, Padang-Sicincin Section, Hutama Karya also collaborated with the 032/Wirabraja Korem Cooperative in providing the materials needed for project work.

Commander of Korem 032/Wirabraja Brigadier General Rayen Obersyl said, although at this time it can only provide a small part, but the impact is great.

"The capital cooperative is from all members. So, if you take part, the one who will benefit is a cooperative that lives, grows, members can be more prosperous," he added.

The presence of the toll road, which is a National Strategic Project (PSN), will have the potential to encourage positive growth in the tourism sector, increase connectivity and mobility by shortening travel time from Sicincin to Padang, which was originally 90 minutes to 30 minutes.

In addition, it can also optimize the economic sector, encourage the development of MSMEs and absorb labor in rest areas, increase property value and expand the distribution of industrial production products, farmers, fishermen and breeders.