This Is The Reason The Ministry Of Public Works Has Not Approved JSMR To Increase Cipularang Toll Tariffs

Secretary of BPJT of the Ministry of Public Works, Ni Komang Rasminiati (center). Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI

The Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) of the Ministry of Public Works (PU) revealed that the reason for not giving blessing to the Toll Road Business Entity (BUJT) PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk. (JSMR) to increase the Cikampek "Purwakarta" Toll Road (Padalarang (Cipularang) tariff.

Secretary of BPJT of the Ministry of Public Works, Ni Komang Rasminiati, explained that the Cipularang Toll Road is currently in the stage of fulfilling criteria related to road quality. If the proposal has been fulfilled by BUJT, tariff adjustments will be made immediately.

"Currently, Cipularang is again carrying out follow-up to the improvement of the results of the SPM examination for the proposed tariff adjustment. The target is that if they can follow up as soon as possible, we should follow up on their right to adjust the tariff every two years," Ni Komang said in a Media Briefing at the Ministry of Public Works office, Jakarta, Friday, October 31.

For your information, the toll tariff adjustment has been regulated in Article 48 paragraph (3) of Law no. 38/2004 concerning Roads and Article 68 paragraph (1) of Government Regulation no. 15/2005 concerning Toll Roads.

In the regulation, it is explained that the evaluation and adjustment of toll rates is carried out every two years by BPJT based on the old tariffs that are adjusted to the influence of inflation.

Previously, the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, reminded BUJT not to make improvements just for the purpose of pursuing an increase in tariffs.

The reason is, these operators must seriously meet the aspects of minimum service standards (SPM).

Dody explained that the toll road tariff increase was carried out regularly, referring to Law (UU) Number 2 of 2022.

The regulation says that the evaluation and adjustment of toll rates is carried out every two years.

"The SPM, right, we have to test it right. We have to make sure these toll road business entities don't just focus on managing their SPM only when they ask for an increase in tariffs," said Dody when met by reporters at his office, Friday, April 11.

He said that his party must ensure that the quality of the related toll roads is properly improved. The SPM assessment process must be carried out carefully and ensure its authenticity.

"But we still give it even though the process is somewhat more prudent now. The important thing is, right, actually this toll road must function optimally for the user community. Because, right, it's paid," he said.