Public Works Minister recommends four-lane flyover construction in Jember

Jember, East Java (ANTARA) — Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has advised Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait to construct a four-lane flyover to address long-term traffic congestion in Jember Regency, East Java.

“If we’re building a flyover, it should be four lanes straight away so it remains adequate for the next 20 years. If it’s only two lanes, I’m concerned it will be congested again within five years. Traffic jams on a flyover are far more dangerous than congestion on ordinary roads,” Dody said whilst inspecting the planned flyover site at the Mangli intersection in Jember Regency on Sunday.

The planned flyover construction in the Mangli area was a primary focus of the Public Works Minister’s working visit, with in-depth discussions held with the Jember Regent regarding the project’s urgency, design, and implementation framework.

“From a technical standpoint, the Mangli intersection can still be managed through traffic management measures. However, considering the projected growth of the area and Jember’s industrialisation trajectory, long-term infrastructure needs become the primary consideration,” he said.

Minister Dody emphasised the importance of land readiness as a key prerequisite for the project to commence promptly. The central government is targeting a construction kick-off in 2026, with an estimated normal construction period of approximately three years. However, in response to the Jember Regent’s request, efforts will be made to complete the initial two lanes ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait described the Mangli flyover construction as a strategic step to open up investment opportunities, noting that the near-daily congestion at the intersection has the potential to deter investor interest.

“If congestion is left unaddressed, it is unattractive to investors. Industrialisation requires adequate infrastructure. We want Jember to advance further, and that must be prepared from now,” he said.

He explained that the flyover construction is not merely a physical project but a symbol of Jember’s readiness to face the future as a region open to investment and economic growth.

“Through synergy between central and regional government, the Mangli flyover construction is expected to become a new milestone in Jember’s infrastructure transformation — resolving today’s congestion bottleneck whilst preparing a growth corridor for future generations,” he said.

The Public Works Minister conducted a working visit to Jember to inspect three locations: a bridge destroyed by flooding in Pakusari Village, followed by Tanjung Market for a traditional market revitalisation plan, and the Mangli area as the site of the planned flyover construction.