JAKARTA - The government is preparing the construction of an alternative toll road in the form of a tunnel in the Anai Valley area, West Sumatra, by the end of 2026.
This is a long-term solution to maintain the connectivity of the Padang-Bukittinggi strategic route which is often affected by disasters.
Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo said that the Lembah Anai section has now been functional since December 16, 2025, although it is still operated in a limited manner with certain time arrangements.
The limited operation was carried out in conjunction with the ongoing work on handling and securing slopes along the road route.
"Anai Valley has been functional since December 16. I have also instructed that this section can be permanent," said Dody, quoted from an official statement, Friday, January 30.
Dody said that the current focus of handling is to ensure that the Anai Valley section can function optimally, especially ahead of the Lebaran homecoming rush.
He targeted that the section could operate 24 hours or start H-7 Lebaran.
"I ask this functional unit on H-7 Lebaran to operate 24 hours. Later all heavy equipment must be out so that it can function fully," he said.
The permanent handling of the Lembah Anai section is targeted to be completed in July 2026, taking into account weather conditions and the characteristics of disaster-prone areas.
After the permanent handling is completed, the PU Ministry will continue the planning stage of the construction of an alternative toll road in the form of a tunnel that penetrates the Anai Valley hill area.
"Our permanent target is July 2026. After that, we will start preparing a toll road plan through a tunnel that penetrates the hills in this area," he explained.
According to Dody, the construction of a toll road through a tunnel is considered urgent because the Anai Valley is one of the most densely populated and most disaster-prone sections in West Sumatra.
The plan to build the tunnel has also been studied since 2017 and was previously examined by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
"From the study, this hill is declared strong to withstand traffic," said Dody.
In addition to road and tunnel construction, the PU Ministry also carried out comprehensive handling of landslide-prone cliffs along the route.
Slope reinforcement and protective structure construction are carried out to ensure that the infrastructure built has long-term durability.
"If we handle the road, the cliff must also be handled. Otherwise, the road will not last long. All of these treatments will be permanent," he added.
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