Riau Governor Lobbies Investment Minister for Coal Railway and Flood Control Infrastructure
Jakarta, InfoPublik – Riau Governor Abdul Wahid made a strategic move by directly lobbying Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Perkasa Roeslani on Monday (5/5/2025) to accelerate the construction of critical infrastructure in the province.
Governor Abdul Wahid presented the urgency of a coal railway line along the Dumai-Indragiri Hulu route as an intelligent solution to the severe road damage hampering Riau's economy.
"We in Riau have natural resources such as coal. I am requesting that a railway line from Dumai to Indragiri Hulu be supported. This is important so that freight transport does not burden our roads, which are now severely damaged," Governor Abdul Wahid stated, voicing deep frustration over the dire condition of Riau's roads.
He explained that roads designed to withstand loads of 8 tonnes are forced daily to bear enormous trucks carrying 45 tonnes of coal. Consequently, Riau's roads are destroyed within months.
"Road surfaces should last 15 to 20 years, but in reality, just five months after repairs they are destroyed again due to overcapacity, Minister. If there were a railway, regents could more easily maintain the existing roads," the Governor said, hoping for a long-term solution from the Investment Minister.
Beyond roads, Governor Abdul Wahid also highlighted the devastating impact of flooding from the Koto Panjang hydroelectric power plant, which paralysed the national road for up to two months. The overflowing floodwaters stripped communities of accessibility and economic activity.
"We are requesting an additional dam to hold back water when the gates are opened. The Trans-Sumatra highway must not be impassable for months on end," he said, calling for serious attention from the central government.
Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani responded with optimism, explaining that national investment is now managed by Danantara Asset Management with a focus on creating added value, employment, and strengthening food and energy security.
"Riau makes a significant contribution to energy and food security. We will evaluate which potential areas we can enter, whether directly or through state-owned enterprises now under Danantara," he explained, opening new hopes for Riau.
The meeting between the Governor and the Investment Minister was not merely a formality but an open discussion between regional and central government. Regional leaders from Riau also voiced their needs for infrastructure, energy, and basic services, demonstrating solidarity and a spirit of collaboration for Riau's advancement.
Support from the central government, particularly the realisation of the coal railway project and flood control measures, is expected to become concrete investment bringing positive impact for the people of Riau.
"Let us oversee this together, so that Riau's dream of having robust and sustainable infrastructure may soon be realised," the Governor said.
Governor Abdul Wahid presented the urgency of a coal railway line along the Dumai-Indragiri Hulu route as an intelligent solution to the severe road damage hampering Riau's economy.
"We in Riau have natural resources such as coal. I am requesting that a railway line from Dumai to Indragiri Hulu be supported. This is important so that freight transport does not burden our roads, which are now severely damaged," Governor Abdul Wahid stated, voicing deep frustration over the dire condition of Riau's roads.
He explained that roads designed to withstand loads of 8 tonnes are forced daily to bear enormous trucks carrying 45 tonnes of coal. Consequently, Riau's roads are destroyed within months.
"Road surfaces should last 15 to 20 years, but in reality, just five months after repairs they are destroyed again due to overcapacity, Minister. If there were a railway, regents could more easily maintain the existing roads," the Governor said, hoping for a long-term solution from the Investment Minister.
Beyond roads, Governor Abdul Wahid also highlighted the devastating impact of flooding from the Koto Panjang hydroelectric power plant, which paralysed the national road for up to two months. The overflowing floodwaters stripped communities of accessibility and economic activity.
"We are requesting an additional dam to hold back water when the gates are opened. The Trans-Sumatra highway must not be impassable for months on end," he said, calling for serious attention from the central government.
Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani responded with optimism, explaining that national investment is now managed by Danantara Asset Management with a focus on creating added value, employment, and strengthening food and energy security.
"Riau makes a significant contribution to energy and food security. We will evaluate which potential areas we can enter, whether directly or through state-owned enterprises now under Danantara," he explained, opening new hopes for Riau.
The meeting between the Governor and the Investment Minister was not merely a formality but an open discussion between regional and central government. Regional leaders from Riau also voiced their needs for infrastructure, energy, and basic services, demonstrating solidarity and a spirit of collaboration for Riau's advancement.
Support from the central government, particularly the realisation of the coal railway project and flood control measures, is expected to become concrete investment bringing positive impact for the people of Riau.
"Let us oversee this together, so that Riau's dream of having robust and sustainable infrastructure may soon be realised," the Governor said.