Two Sumatra Toll Road Projects Nearing Completion, Shortening Lampung-Jambi Distance
The construction of the Palembang-Betung Toll Road and the Betung-Tempino-Jambi Toll Road is being fast-tracked. This massive project aims to accelerate travel time from Palembang to Jambi. As part of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS), these routes will serve as the backbone for connectivity and economic growth on Sumatra Island. The acceleration of these two strategic projects is intended to ensure that the benefits are immediately felt by the community, particularly in strengthening inter-regional connectivity and driving economic expansion.
The Palembang-Betung Toll Road spans a total of 69.19 kilometres, divided into three sections: Section 1 (Palembang-Rengas) at 21.5 km, Section 2 (Rengas-Pangkalan Balai) at 33 km, and Section 3 (Pangkalan Balai-Betung) at 14.69 km. To date, construction progress has reached 85.54%, while land acquisition has reached 88.43%. A key structure on this route is the Musi V Bridge, which was a point of focus during the Vice President’s recent visit.
Meanwhile, the Betung-Tempino-Jambi Toll Road has a total length of 170.73 kilometres, divided into three main sections: Section 1 (Betung-Tungkal Jaya) at 62.38 km, Section 2 (Tungkal Jaya-Bayung Lencir) at 54.32 km, and Section 3 (Bayung Lencir-Simpang Ness) at 52.59 km. Parts of this route are already operational, while construction on other sections continues to ensure seamless connectivity to Jambi Province.
Once all sections are operational, the Palembang-Betung and Betung-Tempino-Jambi toll roads will form a primary corridor of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, connecting South Sumatra and Jambi more efficiently. The presence of these routes is projected to significantly reduce inter-provincial travel time compared to existing national roads, making them the preferred choice for both private vehicles and freight transport.
Iwan Hermawan, Director of Operations III at Hutama Karya, emphasised that the company will ensure the construction of these toll roads remains on target, prioritising construction quality, work safety, and good project governance. “The direction and support from the Vice President further strengthen Hutama Karya’s commitment to completing the Palembang-Betung and Betung-Tempino-Jambi toll roads according to schedule,” said Iwan.
In addition to improving public mobility and logistics distribution efficiency, this corridor will strengthen access to production centres, industrial zones, ports, and other economic hubs, thereby promoting more equitable economic growth across Sumatra. “With the full operation of both sections, connectivity between South Sumatra and Jambi will improve, travel times will be shorter, logistics distribution will become more efficient, and new economic growth opportunities will open along the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road corridor,” he added.
Hutama Karya will continue to strengthen coordination with the central government, local governments, and all stakeholders to ensure project completion meets targets. Through close collaboration, Hutama Karya is optimistic that the development of the Palembang-Betung and Betung-Tempino-Jambi toll roads can be completed promptly to strengthen inter-regional connectivity, support national logistics flows, and provide sustainable benefits for economic growth on Sumatra Island.