Vice President Appreciates Samarinda Tunnel Project As Congestion Breaker

Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun (three from the right) while accompanying Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka showed the Samarinda Tunnel construction project, East Kalimantan, Wednesday (12/2/2025). (ANTARA Photo/M Risyal Hidayat)

SAMARINDA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka praised/appreciated the construction of the Samarinda Tunnel which was able to solve congestion as an alternative to connecting the Samarinda-Balikpapan-Nusantara capital toll road.

"Our Vice President's appreciation for the construction of this tunnel is extraordinary. Even the Vice President and Vice President Selvi Ananda also asked several times about the construction of this tunnel and were happy to see it," said Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 12.

On this occasion, Andi Harun also conveyed to Vice President Gibran that after the construction of this tunnel was completed, attention was directed at the widening of Jalan Sultan Alimuddin, which is connectivity from this tunnel to the Achmad Amins (Mahkota II) bridge to the Samarinda-Balikpapan Toll Road.

"To be honest earlier, the Vice President's permission, because of the fiscal condition we paid for a lot of things, so we ask that we can help with budget support, especially for the widening of Jalan Sultan Alimuddin. He is willing and said 'Yes, yes, Mr. Wali, we must support it,'" said Andi Harun.

During the working visit, Vice President Gibran reviewed three objects. The first is the Youth Health Center in Sungai Pinang Dalam Village on the Free Health Check program.

Second, the visit was continued to the Segiri Stadium field, which is part of the activities of the Ministry of Public Works (PU) and is in the retention or maintenance stage.

The Mayor of Samarinda together with PJ Governor reported to Vice President Gibran that if there are no obstacles, on February 16, the initial use of the Segiri Stadium as the headquarters of Borneo FC will compete against PS Barito Putera from South Kalimantan.

"This stadium has undergone a transformation to now a single seat and then improvements in various infrastructure facilities and other supporting facilities have been carried out for renovation and revitalization," added Andi Harun.

Third, Vice President Gibran's last visit was to the Samarinda Tunnel in Selili Village. The Samarinda City Government is proud that this tunnel is one of the objects of the Vice President's visit which is considered the most representative by the Ministry of Public Works and DJKN.

He acknowledged this tunnel as public infrastructure with great benefits for the community, because it has an important and strategic position and connects directly with the capital city of the archipelago.

The progress of the construction of the Samarinda Tunnel so far has reached 85.6 percent and is targeted for June when the testing process is carried out.