The Sigli' Banda Aceh Toll Road Section 1 Is Limited Open Until May 30

The Sigli 'Banda Aceh Toll Road Section 1 is operated limited to support the smooth implementation of the 2025 Hajj from Aceh departure. (Photo: Doc. Hutama Karya)

JAKARTA - PT Hutama Karya (Persero) operates the limited Sigli 'Banda Aceh Toll Road Section 1 (Padang Tiji'Seulimeum) to support the smooth implementation of the 2025 Hajj from Aceh's departure.

The plan is that the toll road will be operated on a limited basis for the departure of the Acehnese pilgrims from 17 to 30 May.

Meanwhile, to support the return of the pilgrims, the toll road will be opened on June 27 to July 9.

"This was done based on approval from the government through a letter from the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) number BM0702-TL/258 dated May 14, 2025, to Hutama Karya regarding the Support for Departure and Repatriation of Aceh Hajj Pilgrims through the Sigli 'Banda Aceh Section 1 Toll Road on the proposal of the Deputy Governor of Aceh regarding the application for toll access for departure and repatriation of pilgrims," said Executive Vice President (EVP) Corporate Secretary of Hutama Karya Adjib Al Hakim in a written statement, Wednesday, May 21.

Since the opening of this limited access, a number of groups of pilgrims have crossed the Sigli 'Banda Aceh Toll Road.

In detail, as many as 32 vehicles from East Aceh Regency crossed this toll road on May 18, 2025, then there were 8 vehicles from Pidie Regency passing on May 18, 2025.

Then, as many as 20 vehicles from Bener Meriah Regency crossed this toll road on May 19, 2025 and there were 19 vehicles from Lhokseumawe batch on May 20, 2025.

Adjib assessed that although Section 1 (Padang Tiji 'Seulimeum) toll roads are currently still in the construction stage and have not been fully operated to the public, their function is very strategic in supporting the implementation of worship.

"Because it can connect and facilitate the mobility of the Hajj pilgrims from the east end of the district/city in Aceh Province to the Hajj Dormitory in Banda Aceh City, especially elderly pilgrims," he said.

According to Adjib, if via national roads, Sigli's travel time to Banda Aceh can reach 2.5 hours. However, with Section 1 to Section 6 (Baitussalam) connected, the trip only takes about 1 hour.

"The efficiency of the time is very large, especially for the elderly," he said.

Regarding technical in the field, continued Adjib, his party has carried out various previous preparations, including vehicle screening, temporary placement of signs, adequate lighting and provision of emergency facilities along the section.

In its implementation, Hutama Karya coordinates intensively with the Aceh Provincial Government, Aceh National Road Implementation Center, Ministry of Transportation, Indonesian Police and other technical agencies.

Toll road assistance and assistance units will also be alerted in fully operated segments.

"The toll access scheme as long as it is opened will be carried out using an open-close system, where the toll road is only opened according to the schedule of the congregation's cluster and closed again after the group has finished crossing," explained Adjib.

Later, the Section 1 route is only intended for the vehicles of the Hajj pilgrims and the committee.

Meanwhile, the introductory family is directed to stay on national roads.

The Hajj delegation continues to make transactions at the entrance gate of Padang Tiji, but is not charged a tariff for Section 1.

"Hopefully with this easy access, the congregation can carry out their worship solemnly, safely and comfortably," he concluded.

To note, as many as 4,378 pilgrims from Aceh Province will depart for the Holy Land this year in 12 groups, with the scheduled departure starting on May 17 and ending on May 30, 2025.

The return schedule will take place from June 27 to July 9, 2025.