Normal Day in Kalimantan: Mining Trucks Given Priority, Public Vehicles Queue in Long Jams

A video showing long queues of vehicles on the Sangatta–Bengalon road in East Kutai has gone viral on social media. The footage, uploaded to TikTok, depicts vehicles stopped for a considerable time waiting for a convoy of mining trucks to pass, with the caption ‘Normal day in Kalimantan’ sparking widespread comment and curiosity as to why heavy mining vehicles are using a national road.

The location was later identified as being in the Bengalon area, specifically on the national highway that intersects the operational area of PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC). KPC External Relations Manager Nanang Supriyadi explained that the point is an official crossing that has been granted a permit by the National Road Implementation Agency because the state road bisects the company’s concession area.

Nanang clarified that the existence of the crossing does not mean mining vehicles can pass freely without rules. On the contrary, public vehicles are the priority. ‘It is our vehicles that we stop. We prioritise public vehicles. Only after the traffic flow is completely clear do our mining vehicles cross,’ he stated. He emphasised that the safety of road users is the company’s main concern, with security personnel stationed at every crossing to manage traffic and ensure the safe passage of mining vehicles. Four security personnel are deployed at the location during each shift change.

In addition to managing traffic flow, the company has a dedicated team ready to clean up any material that might spill onto the road surface. Water spraying is also carried out regularly to reduce dust and maintain the road surface condition for other users. Nanang added that the management of the crossing involves routine coordination with the East Kutai Transportation Agency and the Traffic Unit of the East Kutai Police. Any changes to operational procedures are discussed together to ensure they do not disrupt public activities. As a long-term solution, KPC is currently preparing the construction of an underpass near the crossing location. The presence of this new route is expected to separate mining vehicle activities from public traffic, making mobility safer and smoother for both.