BALINEWSID.COM, WEST SUMATRA – PT Hutama Karya (Persero), together with government agencies and key stakeholders, conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation (Monev) meeting on the planned Bukittinggi–Padang Panjang–Sicincin Toll Road at the West Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office on July 14. The meeting marked another strategic step toward accelerating the development of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) network in West Sumatra.

The monitoring and evaluation session was aimed at aligning the proposed toll road alignment, identifying technical, social, environmental, and land acquisition issues, and ensuring all preparatory stages are completed before the project advances to a more detailed planning phase.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Andre Rosiade, West Sumatra Provincial Government representative Medi Iswandi, Director of Toll Roads at the Ministry of Public Works Dedy Gunawan, West Sumatra High Prosecutor Dedie Tri Hariyadi, Head of the West Sumatra Regional Office of the National Land Agency (BPN) Teddi Guspriadi, Hutama Karya President Director Koentjoro, Deputy President Director Sugeng Rochadi, Director of Operations III Iwan Hermawan, Head of the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Hartono, as well as regional leaders from Bukittinggi, Agam, Tanah Datar, Padang Panjang, and Padang Pariaman.

During the meeting, all stakeholders agreed on several follow-up measures to accelerate project planning. These include refining the toll road alignment through coordination with local governments and communities, finalizing land acquisition planning documents, identifying affected state-owned assets and forest areas, and synchronizing the project with regional spatial planning and development programs.

Local governments expressed strong support for the project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure initiative that will improve regional connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency, and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment across West Sumatra. Meanwhile, the West Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to providing legal assistance throughout the land acquisition process to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable regulations.

Hutama Karya Director of Operations III Iwan Hermawan said the Bukittinggi–Padang Panjang–Sicincin section represents the next phase of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road development in West Sumatra following the operation of the Padang–Sicincin Toll Road.

“Today’s monitoring and evaluation is a crucial step to ensure every aspect of the planning process is thoroughly prepared through close collaboration among all stakeholders. With the support of the central government, local governments, and relevant institutions, we are optimistic that the planning process will move forward more effectively, allowing the construction of the Bukittinggi–Padang Panjang–Sicincin Toll Road to begin as soon as possible,” Iwan said.

He added that Hutama Karya remains committed to implementing the project with careful planning, prioritizing technical excellence, construction safety, environmental sustainability, and transparent and accountable land acquisition in coordination with all relevant stakeholders.

Once completed, the Bukittinggi–Padang Panjang–Sicincin Toll Road will be integrated with the operational Padang–Sicincin Toll Road, completing a key section of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road network in West Sumatra. The new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time, lower logistics costs, improve the mobility of people and goods, and provide better access to economic centers, industrial areas, and leading tourist destinations across the province.

Through strong collaboration between the central government, regional administrations, and all related institutions, the project is expected to advance to the next development stage, serving as a catalyst for improved connectivity, equitable regional development, and sustainable economic growth in West Sumatra.