Damaged for Decades, Andra Soni Takes Over Road Renovation in Saketi, Pandeglang
The Banten Provincial Government has taken over the repair of damaged roads in Saketi Subdistrict, Pandeglang Regency, Banten. The road has reportedly been damaged for decades without repair.
In its statement, the Banten Provincial Government mentioned that the Majau-Mekarwangi Village Road section has been damaged for decades. The road falls under the authority of the Pandeglang Regency Government.
Banten Governor Andra Soni inspected the road repair results on Monday (20/4). He stated that the repairs under the Prosperous Village Road Construction programme (Bang Andra) aim to accelerate the equitable distribution of village infrastructure.
“Village roads are not the governor’s authority, but we are taking them over because we want to take responsibility. The village community has faced unworthy road conditions for too long,” said Andra to reporters on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
The construction of the 1.3 kilometre road with a width of 4 metres uses the 2025 Banten Provincial Budget (APBD) amounting to Rp 3.84 billion.
According to him, the road construction will not stop at one point but will continue to connect to other areas to open up broader new access.
“In the future, it will connect to other villages such as Mekarwangi to the Saketi-Bojong area. This will become an alternative route that will smooth mobility and encourage economic growth for the community,” said Andra.
Majau community figure Kholilullah expressed gratitude for the long-awaited road construction. He described the previous condition as very concerning.
“Previously, the road was muddy, full of sharp gravel, and very difficult to pass. School children had difficulties, and residents struggled to transport their harvests. Now, alhamdulillah, it’s good, and transportation costs are cheaper,” he said.
He added that since the road was completed, community access to the health centre, market, and other activity centres has become much smoother.
The same sentiment was expressed by the Head of Majau Village. He appreciated the Banten Provincial Government’s step in realising the road construction that has long been the community’s hope.
“This is a road that has been awaited for decades. Now it’s very decent and helps community activities,” he said.
Construction to Continue
Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (DPUPR) of Banten Province Arlan Marzan stated that construction will be carried out on the Saketi Police Station-Pematang road section in 2026. They will build a 1.6 km road with a width of four metres using concrete construction.
“The road damage is around 2.8 km; earlier we saw some hotmix segments that are still usable. This year, we will build 1.6 km with a budget of Rp 4.8 billion and focus on the most severely damaged sections to be more effective and achieve targets faster,” Arlan explained.
Nevertheless, Arlan said the Banten Provincial Government will continue the road construction to connect to Majau.
“So next year, as per the governor’s instructions, it will continue for about one kilometre more to connect through to Majau, so the benefits will be more optimal once all the roads are connected,” he said.