Agam Regent Pushes for Accelerated Toll Road Route Designation

The Agam Regency Government is continuing to oversee the acceleration of the Sicincin–Bukittinggi section of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road by ensuring every planning stage is carried out meticulously and based on accurate data. This commitment was reinforced during a virtual coordination meeting between the Agam Regency Government, PT Hutama Karya, and the Toll Road Commitment-Making Officer from the Ministry of Public Works, held via Zoom from the Agam Regent’s Meeting Room. The meeting discussed the progress of the toll road development planning, including a review of several alternative routes, cross-agency coordination, and technical steps that must be prepared before the definitive route is designated. Agam Regent Benni Warlis affirmed that the Agam Regency Government fully supports the development of this strategic national infrastructure. However, he stressed that every decision must be based on valid data so that the construction does not create new problems in the future. He requested that all relevant regional agencies immediately conduct field surveys and verification to obtain administrative data and the actual conditions at the locations the toll road will traverse. ‘The data must be truly accurate, both administratively and in terms of field conditions. No party should be disadvantaged due to data errors. We want this development to provide sustainable benefits for regional progress while improving community welfare,’ the Regent asserted. During the meeting, PT Hutama Karya presented four alternative routes currently under study. Each route has different characteristics and risk levels, particularly concerning residential areas, the environment, and the geographical conditions it will pass through. Responding to the presentation, the Head of the Agam Housing and Settlement Agency, Rinaldi, stated that alternative routes 3 and 4 were considered to have a smaller potential social impact as they relatively minimise land acquisition. Nevertheless, both alternatives still require more in-depth technical studies, especially regarding terrain conditions, disaster-prone areas, and soil structure, which will form the basis of the Ministry of Public Works’ assessment. As a follow-up, routes 3 and 4 were agreed upon as priorities for a joint field inspection between the Agam Regency Government and PT Hutama Karya on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. The inspection aims to verify field conditions, identify land acquisition requirements, and determine the most suitable location for the construction of a toll exit gate within the Agam Regency area. The Agam Regency Government hopes that the ongoing coordination with PT Hutama Karya and the Ministry of Public Works will accelerate the designation of the best route, so that the toll road construction can be realised promptly and have a positive impact on connectivity, investment, and economic growth in Agam Regency.