Ministry of Public Works Ensures West Sumatra Return Routes Ready, Anai Valley Opens 24 Hours
Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works (PU) has confirmed the readiness of national road sections in West Sumatra Province to handle the exodus and return traffic for Eid 2026. One of the main mobility corridors for the public, the Padang-Bukittinggi route, is confirmed as ready to serve returning travellers, including the operation of the Anai Valley route for 24 hours during the exodus period.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the government is committed to maintaining national road connectivity in West Sumatra, including at several points previously affected by disasters.
“The Padang-Bukittinggi route is one of the main travel corridors in West Sumatra. We ensure that management at vulnerable points, such as Anai Valley and Sitinjau Lauik, continues to be accelerated so that people can travel during the exodus safely and comfortably,” Dody said in a written statement on Monday (16 March 2026).
Overall, the Ministry of Public Works, through the West Sumatra National Road Implementation Office (BPJN), is targeting all national road sections to be in stable condition and free of potholes (zero pothole) by ten days before Eid.
Routine maintenance, patching, and pavement quality improvement work continue to be carried out to maintain user comfort and safety.
Specifically on the Padang-Bukittinggi section, management is focused on several strategic points previously affected by disasters, including the Anai Valley area.
During the period from ten days before to ten days after Eid, the route will be operated for 24 hours to support the smooth flow of exodus and return traffic.
Currently, progress on work in the Anai Valley area has reached approximately 44%, with bore pile foundation work at approximately 78%. During the Eid exodus period, the route will remain operational to serve public traffic movement.
Additionally, the Twin Margayasa Bridge will be operated optimally during the exodus period to support smooth traffic flow on the Padang-Bukittinggi corridor.
On the Sitinjau Lauik route, which is currently in the flyover development stage, BPJN West Sumatra is conducting technical engineering by adjusting the barrier position towards drainage so that traffic space remains optimal and the route capacity can still accommodate vehicle movement during the exodus period.
To support field readiness, the Ministry of Public Works has also prepared 13 Eid exodus posts distributed along the national road sections in West Sumatra.
These posts will operate during the Eid holiday period and will be staffed with personnel on standby for 24 hours.
Additionally, 40 heavy equipment units have been mobilised to anticipate potential road disturbances, such as landslides, fallen trees, or other emergency conditions that could impede traveller journeys.
Through these various measures, the Ministry of Public Works is endeavouring to ensure the readiness of national road infrastructure in West Sumatra so that public travel during the Eid 2026 exodus period can proceed safely, smoothly, and comfortably.