BALINEWSID.COM, SOUTH SUMATRA — Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the Ministry of Public Works have expressed support for the continued and accelerated development of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS), particularly the strategic Palembang-Betung section in South Sumatra.

The support was conveyed during a specific working visit by Commission V to the Musi V Bridge in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Thursday (Sept. 17). The visit focused on the progress of toll road development in the province, particularly efforts to strengthen connectivity between Palembang and Jambi, as well as challenges facing the construction process.

The delegation was led by Commission V Deputy Chairman and head of the visiting team, Syaiful Huda. Also attending were Public Works Ministry Expert Staff Triono Junoasmono, Head of the Ministry’s Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) Ni Komang Rasminiati, representatives of the South Sumatra provincial government, and Hutama Karya Deputy President Director Sugeng Rochadi and his team.

Syaiful said Commission V supported efforts by the government and PT Hutama Karya (Persero) to accelerate toll road development in South Sumatra.

“We support the acceleration of toll road development in South Sumatra. In its implementation, there are certainly several challenges that need to be resolved together,” Syaiful said.

He emphasized the importance of coordination among the DPR, local governments, the Ministry of Public Works and toll road operators to ensure that construction can continue and the infrastructure can deliver benefits to the public.

Meanwhile, Sugeng said Hutama Karya remained committed to accelerating the construction of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, including the Palembang-Betung section.

“Hutama Karya is committed to accelerating the development of the JTTS, including the Palembang-Betung Toll Road,” Sugeng said.

According to data presented by Hutama Karya, construction of the Musi V Bridge has reached 96.44 percent. The bridge also passed the functional feasibility test conducted by the Ministry of Public Works on July 6, 2026.

Overall construction progress of the Palembang-Betung Toll Road has reached 87.18 percent, according to the company.

Hutama Karya said coordination with relevant stakeholders would continue to ensure that each stage of construction proceeds optimally and in accordance with the applicable targets and regulations.

The completion of the toll road is expected to improve connectivity in South Sumatra and support smoother mobility during the 2026 Christmas and 2027 New Year holiday period.

The Palembang-Betung Toll Road forms part of the broader Trans-Sumatra Toll Road corridor connecting South Sumatra with Jambi. Further development of the corridor is expected to support connectivity toward Riau through the planned Jambi-Rengat Toll Road.

The interconnected toll road network is expected to expand access between regions and improve the efficiency of travel and logistics distribution across Sumatra.

Sugeng reaffirmed Hutama Karya’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Public Works, the Toll Road Regulatory Agency, the DPR, local governments and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road.

“This collaboration is part of Hutama Karya’s contribution to supporting the government’s Asta Cita agenda through the provision of safe, high-quality toll road infrastructure that delivers sustainable benefits to the public,” Sugeng said.