Toll Road Officially Opens Free of Charge, Medan-Lake Toba Journey Now Feels Much Shorter
Jakarta — In support of the government’s efforts to ensure a smooth Eid al-Fitr 2026 exodus and return traffic, PT Hutama Marga Waskita (Hamawas) has implemented toll-free operations for the Kuala Tanjung-Tebing Tinggi-Parapat (KUTEPAT) toll road on part of Section 4 Dolok Merawan-Pematang Siantar segment Sinaksak-Simpang Panei, spanning 12.55 kilometres, as of Friday, 13 March 2026, from 07:00 WIB onwards.
Hamawas Chief Executive Officer Dindin Solakhuddin stated that extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure smooth operations on the toll road segment, including enhanced services in accordance with Minimum Service Standards (SPM), beautification, provision of safety facilities, and personnel readiness in the field to guarantee smooth and safe passage for road users during the functional opening of the Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll segment.
“Operating without tolls on the Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll road is part of our effort to support smooth Eid 2026 exodus and return traffic. Hamawas is committed to ensuring services run smoothly whilst prioritising road user safety, efficiency, and comfort through infrastructure readiness, personnel, and intensive coordination with relevant agencies,” Dindin stated.
The Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll segment has become one of the preferred routes for road users heading towards Lake Toba’s tourism area. The presence of this toll segment not only accelerates travel time but also supports more efficient logistics distribution in North Sumatra.
With improved connectivity, this segment is expected to provide a good travel experience, encourage economic growth, increase public mobility, and strengthen the role of toll road infrastructure as a driver of regional development.
During the toll-free operations period, the Sinaksak-Simpang Panei segment incurs no toll charges whatsoever. However, drivers entering from the Medan Raya or Tebing Tinggi direction and exiting through the Simpang Panei toll gate will be charged the existing toll rate up to the Sinaksak toll gate.
Dindin expressed hope that with the Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll segment operating without tolls, the public can experience significant benefits, particularly in accelerating connectivity towards their hometowns during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 period.
“The presence of this toll segment is expected to support smooth exodus and return traffic, increase travel comfort for road users, and provide a more efficient alternative route for people transiting through North Sumatra. Thus, journeys to hometowns can proceed more safely, smoothly, and comfortably,” Dindin concluded.
Hamawas, together with the Local Transportation Agency and Traffic Police, has also established service posts to serve and ensure road user safety during transit. 38 emergency fleet units have been prepared, comprising tow trucks, highway patrol vehicles, rescue units, and ambulances to provide security and comfort to road users.
Hamawas, as the toll road operating company, urges all road users to drive in accordance with the regulations and provisions applicable on toll roads. Drive at a minimum speed of 60 kilometres per hour and a maximum of 100 kilometres per hour, and avoid using the shoulder except in emergencies. Should complaints arise or criminal activity be witnessed on the toll road, please immediately report to the Kutepat Call Centre on +62 812 9595 3536.