Palembang New Port Access Toll Road to Cost IDR 26 Trillion: When Will Construction Be Completed?
The government is preparing an ambitious project to strengthen infrastructure in the South Sumatra region by constructing a toll road providing access to the new Palembang Port in Tanjung Carat. This strategic infrastructure project is estimated to require a fantastic investment value, reaching IDR 26 trillion.
The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming, through the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), targets the physical construction of this toll road to begin in 2026. The availability of adequate land access is crucial to support the operation of the new port.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming and Deputy Head of BKPM, Todotua Pasaribu, provided detailed explanations regarding the development plan in Jakarta. According to his statement on Wednesday (May 13, 2026), this project is designed as part of the sustainable development of the main network or backbone of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road.
Currently, the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road network is connected to the South Sumatra region and is projected to reach Jambi by the end of 2026. The presence of this new section towards the port will further expand connectivity on the island.
Development Plan and Cooperation Scheme
This development plan includes the construction of an interconnected toll road starting from the Betung Toll Gate directly to the Tanjung Carat Port area. The length of the new section to be built is estimated at 80 kilometers to ensure smooth traffic flow.
In addition, the government also plans to encourage the continuation of construction on existing toll road sections, namely the Palembang-Prabumulih route. This section will be extended by approximately 37 kilometers to connect the area to Muara Enim.
Todotua Pasaribu emphasized that the acceleration of this development has a clear objective for the local economy. This effort is being made to make access to various abundant natural resources in South Sumatra much closer and more efficient.
This infrastructure development strategy will be carried out in parallel, with the construction of the toll road running concurrently with the preparation for the construction of the Tanjung Carat Port. This step is taken to ensure that when the port is completed, the land access is ready for maximum use.
Here are the main points regarding the estimated value and project implementation system:
The total estimated investment specifically for the construction of this toll road reaches IDR 26 trillion.
The financing scheme used is a Government and Business Entity Cooperation (KPBU).
Construction is carried out simultaneously or in parallel with the physical construction of the port.
The targeted operational logistics are expected to accelerate the distribution of regional commodities.
The above explanation illustrates the government’s commitment to integrating various modes of transportation to reduce logistics costs in Indonesia. The KPBU scheme is chosen to ensure that the state budget burden remains controlled while involving the active role of the private sector and SOEs.
Economic Impact and Inter-Agency Synergy
The integration between the toll road and the port is predicted to be a new economic driver for the southern Sumatra region. The government hopes that this step will increase global competitiveness for various superior commodities originating from the region.
Several key sectors that will feel the direct impact of this improved logistics access include the coal, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and oil and gas sectors. Previously, the main challenge for businesses in these sectors was the efficiency of time and shipping costs to the export gateway.
As a concrete step, the government has formalized this commitment through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement regulates the plan for cooperation in the integrated development of a toll road to the New Palembang Port in Tanjung Carat, Banyuasin Regency.
The parties involved in this strategic cooperation include:
The table above shows strong cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure that this national strategic project runs as planned. The involvement of PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) and Pelindo confirms that this route is indeed focused on facilitating mining commodities and exports-imports.
The large-scale infrastructure development in South Sumatra is expected to be more than just a distribution route. Furthermore, this area is projected to become a new center of economic growth that can absorb a large number of local workers.
With the construction target starting this year, the government is optimistic that the integrated connectivity will have a positive domino effect on the welfare of the community. Improved transportation access will trigger the emergence of new industrial areas along the toll road corridor.
The success of this project will become a new standard in the development of integrated areas outside the island of Java. Support from various parties is the key to ensuring that the 2026 development target can be achieved without significant obstacles.