Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono has stated that President Joko Widodo’s administration plans to build 2,500 kilometres of toll roads within the next five years.
Basuki added that 1,852km will be finished by the end of this year. “We’ll build toll roads stretching around 2,500 kilometres within the next five years,” the minister said.
The route will include a trans Sumatra toll road, which is 2,000 kilometres long, and JOR II toll from Jagorawi, Cibitung, and the port. It is estimated that the construction will cost about Rp270-300trillion, which will be funded the government’s state budget, corporate-government partnership, and private investment. Currently, the government is making arrangements to slash the complicated regulations which hinder investment.
Basuki stated that land acquisition is the main problem faced by the government, especially for the Palembang – Teluk Betung toll. Once ready, the toll road will connect Bakauheni – Terbangi Besar – Kayu Agung – Palembang – Teluk Betung.
Meanwhile, he assured the public that the Bakauheni-Palembang toll road will be operational this year. The Lampung to Palembang toll road will also be completed this year. Meanwhile, the construction of the Terbangi Besar – Kayu Agung route, which spans over 130 kilometres, and the Serpong – Balaraja toll road are still in progress.
Source: Antara, Tempo
Image: Suara