President Jokowi: Kayu Agung-Palembang Toll Road Should be Connected to Economic Centers
President Jokowi crosses Ogan bridge, part of Kayu Agung-Palembang toll road, Tuesday (26/01). Photo by: Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/ Laily Rachev
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered regional governments to connect the newly-inaugurated Kayu Agung-Palembang toll road to economic centers in the region.
“I believe that the Governor and the Regent/Mayor will connect the toll road to economic centers, tourism centers, industrial centers, agricultural centers, and plantation centers,” the President said after inaugurating the Kayu Agung-Palembang toll road in South Sumatra Province, Tuesday (26/01)
The President said that the toll road will not only connect several regions, but also will boost the economy on the island of Sumatra, especially in South Sumatra Province, as well as develop new economic growth centers.
“This is important for equitable development and opening up jobs in many regions and for improving the welfare of our people,” the President said.
On that occasion, the President also ordered local governments to continue to promote the potential in their respective regions.
For the record, the Kayu Agung-Palembang toll road has a length of 42.5 kilometers out of 111.69 kilometers of the total length of the Kapalbetung (Kayu Agung-Palembang-Betung) Toll Road.
The toll road is connected to other Trans Sumatra toll roads, namely Terbanggi Besar-Pematang Panggang-Kayu Agung and will cut travel time from Bakauheni Port, Lampung Province to Palembang, South Sumatra Province from 12 hours to only around 3-3.5 hours.
The inauguration of the toll road also adds the long list of trans-Sumatra toll road sections that are already operating. The total length of Trans Sumatra Toll Road reaches 2,992 kilometers, with 657 kilometers of the toll roads are in operation, 608 kilometers are under construction, and 430 kilometers are in preparation for construction. The construction plan for another 1,297 kilometers will soon follow.
During the working visit, President Jokowi also inspected the toll road starting from Kramasan toll gate to Jakabaring, and Ogan Bridge which is the hallmark of the toll road. (FID/UN) (RI/MMB)
