The Thousand-Pothole Road in West Sumatra Finally Under Construction After 10 Years of Damage

Andre was present alongside the Head of the West Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) Elsa Putra Friandi, several members of the Gerindra Faction in the Lima Puluh Kota Regency DPRD, and the Wali Nagang of Tanjung Gadang Subdistrict, Lareh Sago Halaban, Zanhar. Residents view the construction of the road spanning approximately 8.4 kilometres as a response to their suffering over more than 10 years of traversing a severely damaged road full of potholes. In front of the Tanjung Gadang Wali Nagari Office, Andre emphasised that this project represents the tangible presence of the central government through the state budget (APBN) amounting to Rp 70 billion via the Regional Road Presidential Instruction programme. “This is the thousand-pothole road; we have intervened. The central government is present. The President has launched the APBN through the Regional Road Presidential Instruction worth Rp 70 billion. Although this is a provincial road, which is the responsibility of the West Sumatra Governor. I hope this road is maintained together,” said Andre in his statement on Saturday (9/5/2026). The General Chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM) reminded that the repaired road should not deteriorate again due to mining vehicles exceeding tonnage. He urged local and provincial governments to take a firm stance in supervising mining activities for Class C minerals in the area. “Feel free for mining to proceed; we are not obstructing it. But do not let the mining damage the road. Tonnage must be controlled. Earning Rp 70 billion is not easy,” stressed the Chairman of the West Sumatra Gerindra DPD. Andre also requested that the Gerindra Faction in the Lima Puluh Kota Regency DPRD, together with the nagari government, immediately coordinate with the regent and the West Sumatra Provincial Government to ensure serious oversight of mining vehicles. “Now that it has been built, should we let it be destroyed again in just a few months or a year? This road must be maintained together,” he continued. He reiterated that the road is actually under the authority of the West Sumatra Provincial Government. However, because it had not been repaired for years, the central government finally intervened through the APBN. “This is a provincial road; the authority lies with the West Sumatra Provincial Government. Because it has not been repaired for more than 10 years, the community knows it as the Thousand-Pothole Road. We reported this condition, and alhamdulillah, President Prabowo ordered the Ministry of Public Works to prepare a budget of around Rp 70 billion more,” revealed Andre. After this project is completed, Andre assured that his efforts have not stopped. Road construction will continue towards Batusangkar through the next Regional Road Presidential Instruction programme. “In line with our commitment, after this is finished, we will continue towards Batusangkar. We hope the 2026 Regional Road Presidential Instruction is reopened, or at the latest in 2027, construction continues to Batusangkar,” Andre concluded. The Head of BPJN West Sumatra, Elsa Putra Friandi, stated that the construction is targeted for completion on 2 July 2026, in line with the end of the contract period. Of the total 8.4 kilometres, 5.5 kilometres will be built with concrete construction, and the remaining approximately 3 kilometres with asphalt. “Insyaallah, it will be fully completed and smooth by 2 July 2026. Now, we just need to maintain it together,” she said. The Wali Nagari of Tanjung Gadang, Zanhar, on behalf of the community, expressed appreciation to President Prabowo and Andre Rosiade for realising the long-awaited construction. “We, on behalf of the community, thank Mr President Prabowo and Bang Andre. Our residents have waited more than 10 years for this road repair. Although not yet 100 percent complete, the benefits are already greatly felt by the community,” Zanhar stated.