Bengkulu Governor Meets South Sumatra Governor to Discuss Regional Connectivity

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan met with South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, among other things, to discuss regional connectivity to support the smooth distribution of goods and cross-regional mobility of the population.

“In addition to strengthening inter-provincial relations, the meeting was also used to discuss several strategic issues ranging from regional connectivity to organising coal transportation to make it more orderly and not disrupt public activities,” said Helmi in Bengkulu on Saturday.

Still related to connectivity and coal transportation, the two governors, who met in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday (24/4/2026), also encouraged the provision of special roads for holders of mining business permits (IUP) as a long-term solution.

“We want a joint solution, especially regarding coal transportation, to make it more orderly and not cause problems in the field,” said Helmi.

In addition to special roads for coal transportation, the Bengkulu toll road to South Sumatra is currently in the continuation of its construction and has entered the national strategic project.

The construction of the new toll road has been realised for Section I, from Bengkulu City to Central Bengkulu Regency, while the construction of Sections II and III until connected to the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road has not yet been realised.

Previously, Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian had held a coordination meeting with the Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy at the Governor’s Office in Bengkulu.

Several infrastructure issues, such as the continuation of toll road construction and the construction of a railway to South Sumatra, were also discussed.

The Bengkulu Provincial Government hopes that this construction can be realised soon, so that it can open connectivity between regions and certainly accelerate the Bengkulu economy to spin faster.

Minister Rachmat explained that regarding this construction, further discussions are needed.

The central government, he said, continues to pay attention to the regions and regional progress.

Currently, the central government is focusing on human resource development in sectors such as nutrition, health, and education. The government, he said, also pays attention to the important infrastructure needs of the regions.