Andre Rosiade Urges Construction of Bypass from Pasar Amor Toll Exit to Simpang Taluak
The Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party, Andre Rosiade, is pushing for the construction of a 6.5-kilometre bypass stretching from the Pasar Amor toll exit area to Simpang Taluak in Nagari Taluak Ampek Suku, Banuhampu District, Agam Regency. According to him, the bypass could serve as a non-toll access route, allowing the public to benefit from the connectivity provided by the Sicincin-Bukittinggi Toll Road without needing to pay toll fees.
He noted that the existence of a bypass is crucial to prevent vehicles exiting the toll road from being directed entirely towards the Padang Luar area, which has become a congested route. “If the toll road leads directly onto the national road towards Padang Luar, it could cause congestion. We need a bypass. The route for this bypass has been established for a long as time. We want to utilise the route from Pasar Amor to Simpang Taluak, rather than towards Padang Luar,” Andre stated in a briefing on Thursday (17/09/2026).
This proposal was presented during a socialisation session initiated by Andre, alongside the President Director of PT Hutama Karya, Koentjoro, the Ministry of Public Works, the West Sumatra Provincial Government, and the Agam Regency Government, held at the Sariak Village Office, Sungai Pua District.
He argued that the bypass serves a broader purpose than just providing toll access. Local residents who do not use the toll road can still utilise it as an alternative route. For instance, from Kotobaru, vehicles could reach the Padang Luar area via the bypass without having to traverse the increasingly congested old route.
President Director of Hutama Karya, Koentjoro, confirmed the plan. He explained that the prepared concept places the toll exit in the Pasar Amor area, where an access road of approximately 500-600 metres will connect to a 6.5km bypass leading to Simpang Taluak. “From Pasar Rabaa to Simpang Tanuah, there is a 6.5km bypass. The route already exists, and the community can utilise this bypass,” said Koentjoro.
Koentjoro added that the existing route is an advantage as the path is already available, although it requires improvements in road capacity and quality. The bypass will be built to adequate standards, featuring U-turns and access points to allow movement between sides. Drainage is also a priority, as the roadside consists of many agricultural lands.
The Chairman of KAN Batu Palano, Editiawarman, stated that the community generally accepts the bypass due to its potential economic benefits. However, he requested that construction respect customary lands (tanah ulayat) and the productive lands of the Batu Palano people. He also noted that the former Pasar Amor area holds significant value for the village.
He mentioned that approximately 5 hectares of the former Pasar Amor land is customary land currently being processed for return to the local community. The village authorities even have plans to develop the area as a higher education site. Therefore, the toll exit plan in that area requires specific discussions with the local community.
“Regarding the toll exit, we are very much in agreement. However, we strongly hope that the socialisation reaches the Batu Palano Village residents effectively,” he said.
The Head of Sariak Village, Ismet Dianto, also requested that the bypass route and toll access be confirmed through field surveys. He noted that previous changes to the route have raised questions among the public. He emphasised that certainty regarding the route is essential so that the Village Government can accurately explain the situation to local leaders and potentially affected residents.
Meanwhile, the Head of the West Sumatra Public Works, Housing, and Settlement Department, Ahdiyarsyah, stated that the government will conduct initial field data collection. He explained that discrepancies in previous designs may have arisen from differing technical standards between provincial road planning and national road design. Consequently, the route will be re-verified alongside technical teams, village governments, and the community.
The Deputy Regent of Agam, M Iqbal, mentioned that the bypass plan is a vital part of the new connectivity being developed by the central government. He expressed hope that the development would not only smooth traffic flow but also benefit the people of Agam, most of whom rely on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods.
Andre believes this new connectivity could unlock greater economic opportunities for Agam and West Sumatra. He stated that improved road access would accelerate the distribution of agricultural products, expand tourism movement, and strengthen economic ties with other regions, including Riau. “If the toll road connects to Riau, people from Riau can visit our villages bringing significant spending every week and during holidays. Agam’s agricultural products can also be sent to Riau more quickly. This is intended so that our villages benefit,” said Andre.
He emphasised that the development of the bypass and toll connectivity must be directed towards strengthening the community’s economy while ensuring that villages and nagaris remain connected. Therefore, he urged all parties to continue the dialogue until a formula is found that is both technically feasible and acceptable to all.
According to the presentation by Hutama Karya, the Bukittinggi-Sicincin toll segment is approximately 39.6 kilometres long and designed for speeds of 80 kilometres per hour. Based on a 2024 study by CORE Indonesia included in the socialisation materials, the development of this segment is projected to provide an 8.88 per cent reduction in travel distance and a time saving of up to 55.91 per cent.