PALEMBANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the progress of two National Strategic Projects (PSN) implemented by PT Hutama Karya (Persero) on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The projects reviewed were the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll road sections.
The Vice President's working visit reflected the government's support for accelerating the development of the
Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS), which is expected to play a key role in strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the island of Sumatra.
During the inspection, Gibran Rakabuming Raka was accompanied by South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, Jambi Governor Al Haris, Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa, Musi Banyuasin Regent M. Toha, Head of the South Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN) Panji Krisna Wardana, Acting Head of the Jambi National Road Implementation Agency Robert Eduard Sihotang, Hutama Karya's Director of Operations III Iwan Hermawan, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Hutama Karya's Toll Road Construction Division Dwi Aryono Bayuaji, and EVP of Toll Road Operations and Maintenance Ni Putu Oki Wirastuti.
The Vice President received a presentation on the latest development progress of both toll road projects before directly observing construction activities at the sites. Gibran expressed his appreciation for the progress achieved by
Hutama Karya, particularly in the construction of the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi sections.
He also instructed that the completion of both strategic projects continue to be accelerated so that communities can benefit from the infrastructure as soon as possible. The acceleration is expected to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and support economic growth throughout Sumatra.
"The acceleration of construction progress, especially on the
Musi V Bridge, shows positive developments. During my previous visit in September 2025, I observed the progress at that time, and today in July 2026, I have returned to review the achievements that have been made," Gibran said.
MUSI V BRIDGE DEVELOPMENT APPRECIATED: Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reviews the progress of the Musi V Bridge construction, a key structure on the Palembang–Betung toll road section. (PHOTO: Doc. Hutama Karya)
Musi V Bridge Becomes Key Focus of Inspection
One of the main highlights of the Vice President's visit was the development of the Musi V Bridge, which is part of the Palembang–Betung toll road section. The structure is considered a strategic element in improving transportation connectivity between Palembang City and Banyuasin Regency.
The Palembang–Betung toll road has a total length of 69.19 kilometers and is divided into three sections. The first section, Palembang–Rengas, spans 21.5 kilometers; the second section, Rengas–Pangkalan Balai, covers 33 kilometers; and the third section, Pangkalan Balai–Betung, extends 14.69 kilometers.
To date, construction of this toll road section has reached 85.54 percent progress, while land acquisition has reached 88.43 percent. The toll road forms an important part of the JTTS network, connecting various economic areas across South Sumatra.
In addition to Palembang–Betung, the Vice President also reviewed the progress of the Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll road, which has a total length of 170.73 kilometers.
The route consists of three main sections: Betung–Tungkal Jaya covering 62.38 kilometers, Tungkal Jaya–Bayung Lencir covering 54.32 kilometers, and Bayung Lencir–Simpang Ness covering 52.59 kilometers.
A portion of this toll road is already operational and being utilized by the public. Meanwhile, other sections continue to be constructed to establish a continuous toll road connection extending into Jambi Province.
Strengthening Sumatra's Logistics and Economic Connectivity
Once the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll road sections are fully completed and operational, both routes will become a major JTTS corridor connecting South Sumatra and Jambi more efficiently.
The toll road corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between provinces compared with existing national roads. As a result, the infrastructure will serve as an important alternative for both passenger transportation and freight distribution.
Beyond improving public mobility, the new infrastructure is also expected to enhance logistics distribution efficiency. Access to production centers, industrial zones, ports, and various economic hubs will become easier, creating new economic opportunities along the toll road corridor.
Hutama Karya's Director of Operations III, Iwan Hermawan, stated that the company continues to ensure both toll road projects are implemented according to established targets, with priorities placed on construction quality, occupational safety, and effective project management.
"The Vice President's direction and support strengthen
Hutama Karya's commitment to accelerating the completion of the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll roads according to the targeted schedule. Once both sections are fully operational, connectivity between South Sumatra and Jambi will improve, travel times will be reduced, logistics will become more efficient, and new economic growth opportunities will emerge along the
Trans-Sumatra Toll Road corridor," Iwan said.
TOLL ROAD PROJECTS PROGRESSING AS PLANNED: Hutama Karya's Director of Operations III, Iwan Hermawan, confirms that construction of the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll roads is progressing according to schedule, with a focus on quality and safety. (PHOTO: Doc. Hutama Karya)
Hutama Karya Confirms Project Progress Remains on Track
Hutama Karya reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination with the central government, regional governments, and all relevant stakeholders to accelerate the completion of the Palembang–Betung and Betung–Tempino–Jambi toll road projects.
Through this collaboration,
Hutama Karya remains optimistic that both strategic projects can be completed in the near future and provide long-term benefits for the community.
The completion of these two toll road sections will not only strengthen regional connectivity but also improve the national logistics flow and encourage more balanced economic development across the island of Sumatra. (IDCN)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala