VP Gibran reviews progress of Palembang toll bridge project

Palembang (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reinforced the government’s commitment to continued infrastructure development with a firsthand inspection of the Musi V Bridge construction in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Thursday.

Extending around 1.7 kilometers across the Musi River, the bridge forms part of the Palembang–Betung stretch of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, projected to enhance connectivity and boost mobility of people and goods in the province.

Gibran arrived at the site around 8:35 a.m. local time after reviewing services at a provincial hospital. He was accompanied by South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa, and commanders of regional military and police forces.

During the inspection, the vice president inquired about construction progress from PT Hutama Karya, the state-run firm assigned to carry out the project.

Hutama Karya Executive Vice President for Toll Road Operations and Maintenance Dwi Aryono Bayuaji said Gibran expressed appreciation for the significant progress made on the bridge.

“He is quite satisfied with the current progress level. His last visit here was in September last year, and now he returns in July 2026,” Bayuaji noted.

He explained that the toll road stretch was not yet connected during the vice president’s previous visit.

“The road sections are now linked. He greatly appreciates this progress,” he added.

Gibran also asked about remaining challenges facing the project and was informed that Hutama Karya is still working to acquire 22 plots of land in the Pangkalan Balai interchange area.

“Our hope is that once land acquisition is completed, the section from Keramasan to Betung will be ready for functional operation this year,” Bayuaji remarked.

Elaborating further, Bayuaji reported that Section 1 construction has progressed to 92 percent, while Section 2 has reached 93 percent completion. Both sections now await finishing works in the interchange area connected to a national road.

As for Section 3, progress remains at 73 percent, with 98 percent of the required land already secured.

Hutama Karya aims to open the Palembang-Betung toll road section for functional operation during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday period.

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Translator: Ahmad Baiduri, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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