Padang Panjang Government Backs Padang-Bukittinggi Toll Road, Stresses Land Transparency

The Padang Panjang municipal government has officially declared its support for the continuation of the Padang-Bukittinggi Toll Road construction. The national strategic project is regarded as a crucial step in strengthening regional connectivity and spurring economic growth in West Sumatra. The support was conveyed by Deputy Mayor Allex Saputra during a coordination meeting on compiling the list of entitled parties for land acquisition for the Padang-Bukittinggi Toll Road, Sicincin-Bukittinggi Section. The meeting, initiated by the Ministry of Public Works, took place at Padang Panjang City Hall on Friday (5/6). Whilst fully supportive, Allex Saputra offered critical input regarding the planning and land acquisition process. He urged that all stages be carried out through open socialisation that prioritises the protection of affected communities’ rights. ‘I hope that the planners, executors and all relevant agencies can provide the widest and clearest possible explanation to the public. Information regarding the route, the benefits of the development, the land acquisition mechanism, and the form of compensation must be conveyed in full so as not to cause misunderstandings,’ Allex stressed. He added that development must not disregard residents’ interests. The land acquisition process must uphold a sense of justice and comply with prevailing laws and regulations to provide legal certainty for the community. Echoing the Padang Panjang administration, Tanah Datar Vice Regent Ahmad Fadly also expressed his support. From a safety perspective, he assessed that the presence of the toll road would significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents on the main route, particularly with large-tonnage vehicles shifting to the freeway. However, Fadly cautioned that communication with the community must be carried out intensively to avoid differences in perception. ‘Various community rights, including cultural assets such as traditional houses, need to be discussed carefully to find the best solution,’ he said. The Commitment Making Officer for Toll Road Land Acquisition 2.10, Wisnu Priambodo, explained that this coordination meeting served as a forum to gather input from local governments and community leaders regarding the results of the route plan survey. ‘We want to minimise the impact on the community. Input from this forum will be forwarded to the central level as material for consideration in the final planning process,’ Wisnu stated. The meeting was also attended by Acting Regional Secretary Wita Desi Susanti, Chair of the Regional House of Representatives Commission III Mahdelmi, and customary stakeholders from three nagari within the Padang Panjang and Tanah Datar areas. This cross-sector synergy is expected to become a milestone for economic transformation and national connectivity in West Sumatra.