Gempol-Pasuruan Toll Road Section II Should Operate Ahead of Eid: President Jokowi

President Jokowi responds to reporters’ questions after observing Gempol-Pasuruan Toll Road Section II, in Pasuruan, East Java, on Saturday (12/5) (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat)

Gempol-Pasuruan Toll Road Section II is targeted to operate during this year’s mudik (an annual exodus ahead of Eid al-Fitr).

The statement was enunciated by President “Jokowi” Widodo when observing the development of Gempol-Pasuruan (Gempas) Toll Road Section II before leaving for Jakarta after his working visit to East Java Province, on Saturday (12/5).

“We want to ensure that this road can be operated during mudik. We have confirmed that toll roads connecting Merak and Pasuruan will operate during mudik. Even though the roads operate functionally in several kilometers, it can be used,” President Jokowi said.

Therefore, the President expressed his hope that it will reduce traffic congestion ahead of this year’s Eid Day.

According to President Jokowi, there will be more choices of possible routes for people who will drive through North Coast Road connecting Surabaya and Pasuruan due to the operation of Gempas Toll Road. For the record, roads to be operated are Section I connecting Gempol and Rembang, and Section II connecting Rembang and Pasuruan.

People can choose between North Coast Road and toll roads. Considering that there are two choices now, the mobility will be better,” the President explained.

The construction of the 34.15 km-Gempas Toll Road that will connect Gempol and Probolinggo is targeted to be completed by the end of 2018. In 2019, the construction is expected to be extended, so the roads can connect Merak and Banyuwangi.

On that event, President Jokowi observed Gempas Section II that stretches for 6.6 kilometers connecting Rembang and Pasuruan. This road is part of Trans Java Toll Road in which the construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

Accompanying President Jokowi on this occasion were Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Governor of East Java Soekarwo. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (RAS/MMB/Naster)