Lebong Regency Prioritises Village Development within TNKS Area
The Lebong Regency Government, Bengkulu Province, is prioritising the acceleration of infrastructure development in Sungai Lisai Village, Pinang Belapis District, which is situated within the Kerinci Seblat National Park (TNKS) area.
Speaking in Lebong on Friday, the Regent of Lebong, Azhari, stated that this outermost village, located approximately 42.5 kilometres from the local government centre, urgently requires adequate road access as residents currently rely on footpaths and river crossings.
“Development in Sungai Lisai Village is a priority for the Lebong Regency Government. We are in great need of road construction leading to that area. The total length of road required is 10.4 kilometres, and approximately 7.4 kilometres have yet to be built,” said Azhari.
He explained that the Lebong Regency Government has gradually allocated budgets to end the village’s isolation, both through the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) programme in collaboration with the 0409/Rejang Lebong Military District Command and through works by the Lebong Public Works Department.
Nevertheless, budget constraints and the high cost of transporting construction materials to the isolated location remain the primary challenges in accelerating road development in this region, which is rich in natural and cultural potential.
“For 2026, we have allocated a budget of Rp1.5 billion, but this can only open 600 metres of road. Accumulatively, the regency government has budgeted approximately Rp3 billion for the development of the Sungai Lisai Village road,” he explained.
He added that due to the limited road access to the Lebong Regency centre, residents of Sungai Lisai Village have frequently conducted economic transactions and fulfilled their basic needs in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province, which is more easily accessible.
He expressed hope that the Large-Scale TNI Community Service Programme, scheduled for October 202<0xC2>6, could assist in completing the road access, thereby facilitating resident mobility and the transport of local agricultural produce.