PADANG PARIAMAN, BALINEWS – State-owned construction company PT Hutama Karya (Persero) has introduced the preliminary alignment plan for the Bukittinggi–Sicincin Toll Road to stakeholders and local communities in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra. The proposed route includes a tunnel through the Barisan Mountains as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity.
The plan was presented during a pre-socialization meeting and public dialogue at the Padang Pariaman Regent's Office on Monday (October 26). The meeting was attended by Hutama Karya President Director Koentjoro, Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis, Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Andre Rosiade, representatives of the West Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), as well as village leaders, traditional elders, and community representatives.
Koentjoro explained that the proposed Bukittinggi–Sicincin section would extend the existing Padang–Sicincin Toll Road, which is already operational. The section is also part of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) corridor connecting Padang and Pekanbaru.
He said the project was still in the planning stage, with the pre-socialization meeting serving as an initial step to inform stakeholders about the proposed alignment and technical aspects before the formal land acquisition preparation process begins.
"Through this meeting, we hope stakeholders will gain a clearer understanding of the development plan. Subsequent stages will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective authorities of the relevant institutions," Koentjoro said.
He added that the land acquisition preparation process would include notification of the development plan, preliminary data collection on affected locations, and public consultations, leading to the issuance of a Location Determination (Penlok) by the Governor of West Sumatra.
Detailed information on affected land plots will also be reviewed in coordination with the provincial and regency governments, as well as the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), before being communicated to residents in stages.
The project is being planned against the backdrop of challenging geographical conditions in West Sumatra. Road connectivity between Padang and Bukittinggi currently relies on several routes, including Lembah Anai, Sitinjau Lauik, and Malalak. These routes feature difficult terrain and have experienced disruptions during natural disasters.
The proposed Bukittinggi–Sicincin toll road is expected to provide an alternative route through the Barisan Mountains, including a tunnel. Hutama Karya said safety would be a key priority during both construction and future operations.
To support the technical assessment of the tunnel, Hutama Karya is collaborating with academic institutions in West Sumatra, including Andalas University and the Center for Tunnel and Underground Infrastructure Studies (PUSTROIB).
The company will also coordinate with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and environmental authorities because parts of the proposed alignment may intersect with forest areas and tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis emphasized the importance of involving local communities throughout the planning and development process.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to obtain information and express their views, concerns, and expectations regarding the proposed project.
"Communities should not merely be positioned as recipients of information. They must also be given adequate opportunities to raise questions, provide input, express concerns, and share their expectations," John Kenedy Azis said.
He expressed hope that the toll road project would deliver benefits beyond physical infrastructure by stimulating the local economy through business opportunities, job creation, and the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Andre Rosiade also said West Sumatra needed a more reliable alternative transportation route to address long-term connectivity challenges.
According to Andre, the toll road project could create economic opportunities for local businesses, including suppliers of construction materials, while generating employment for residents.
He also stressed that the land acquisition and compensation processes must be transparent, fair, and conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, while safeguarding the rights of affected communities.
Andre encouraged traditional leaders, religious figures, intellectuals, and other community representatives to engage in dialogue to address potential issues through appropriate channels.
Hutama Karya said similar pre-socialization meetings were scheduled to continue in Tanah Datar Regency and Padang Panjang City on Wednesday (October 28).
The company reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with local governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the planning and preparatory stages proceed in accordance with regulations, while taking into account public safety, environmental considerations, and community interests.
