Residents manage traffic on disaster-affected route to Bukittinggi
Damage in Nagari Sungai Landia, Kecamatan IV Koto has caused the roadway to narrow significantly. This situation forces vehicles from both directions to pass alternately, particularly on sections with sharp curves that increase accident risk.
This situation has prompted local residents to step in and help manage traffic flow. This effort is considered increasingly important as Idul Fitri approaches, when vehicle volume is expected to increase.
Rahmatal, encountered by ANTARA on the Sungai Landia road, was seen managing traffic alongside two colleagues. They were busy taking turns giving hand signals to vehicles from both directions to pass alternately on the collapsed section at the curve.
The 22-year-old said he and his colleagues have been conducting this activity for nearly three months. They begin their shifts at 6 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m. every day.
“This is purely volunteer work. My intention is to prevent people’s journeys from being disrupted and avoid congestion. Without someone standing here, vehicles could collide,” he said.
Beyond managing traffic flow, they also help clear materials on the road brought down by secondary landslides caused by heavy rain. They frequently assist motorcyclists struggling to navigate their vehicles amid slippery road conditions.
“When it rains the road becomes slippery, motorcyclists sometimes have to dismount and walk their bikes. Sometimes they fall and need help,” he said.
Rahmatal added that this alternative route segment from and to Lubuk Basung is indeed prone to landslides. Beyond several minor points, there are at least four locations with severe damage, where the roadway has collapsed by half.
Other residents monitoring traffic flow are also visible at several points with severe damage, including on the road where a Bailey Bridge has been constructed. A man in his 50s was seen busy monitoring road conditions through a handy talkie communication device.
Their presence is considered quite effective in reducing congestion and minimising accident potential. This is acknowledged by Al, a travel driver covering the Bukittinggi-Lubuk Basung route who directly experiences the benefits of this arrangement.
“If there is assistance, it is fine, but if there is no assistance, then it is not necessary. Since there is assistance, it helps,” Al said.
Similarly, Madi, a motorcyclist who travelled from Payakumbuh to Lubuk Basung for fishing, also felt greatly assisted by the presence of local residents helping manage traffic flow.
“Since this disaster, I have only passed through here again. It is good; it helps maintain the road,” he said.
The road section in Sungai Landia can also be utilised by holiday travellers as an alternative route when travelling to and from Bukittinggi and Padang.
The West Sumatra Police Regional Directorate will implement one-way traffic management on the Idul Fitri holiday period on the main provincial route connecting Padang and Bukittinggi. The one-way system to anticipate vehicle congestion will be implemented on 19-20 March and continued on 22-24 March 2026. The first checkpoint is located at Simpang Exit Toll Sicincin, and the second checkpoint is at Simpang Padang, Padang Panjang.