LAMPUNG (Bina Marga) - Chair of the House of Representatives (DPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Setya Novanto appreciates the progress of toll road development in Sumatra, especially the Bakauheni-Terbangi Besar (BTB) Toll Road in Lampung Province. He revealed this when he came to the BTB toll road construction site after visiting the Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera) campus in Lampung, Thursday (26/27).

Novanto said that the development of the toll road was already fast. "After seeing the construction of toll roads it is better and the completion is on time. It is also thanks to the synergy between SOEs and the government and the Parliament as its supervision," he said.

He hopes that the 140 KM toll can be completed on time and can be used to support the 2018 Asian Games event. "I hope that the toll road will be completed on time, and entrust the construction assignment to PT Hutama Karya (by contractors) of PT Pembangunan Perumahan (PP) ), PT Waskita Karya, PT Wijaya Karya, and PT Adhi Karya through the assignment scheme, "he said.

What is meant by the Assignment Scheme is the Acceleration of Toll Road Development in Trans Sumatra based on Perpres No. 117/2015 jo. No.100 / 2014 or better known as "Perpres Assignment". This regulation stipulates that the completion of 8 Toll Roads in Trans Sumatra (including BTB Toll Road) to be prioritized with the final operational target of 2019.

The eight toll roads are Medan-Binjai Toll Road (17km), Palembang-Indralaya (22km), Bakauheni-Terbangi Besar (140km), Pekanbaru-Dumai (131km), Terbangi Besar-Bake Pematang (100km), Pematang Panggang-Kayu Agung (85km), Palembang-Tanjung Api Api (90km), Kisaran-Tebing Tinggi (60km).

Novanto also appreciated the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo who previously had seen firsthand the progress of the BTB Toll Road development. He hopes that the construction of this toll road can improve people's welfare and accelerate economic development in the Sumatra region.

On the same occasion, Director General of Highways, Arie Setiadi Moerwanto expressed his gratitude for the presence of the Speaker of the House to see first hand the construction of the BTB Toll Road. According to him, the key to the progress of this toll road construction is the availability of funds.

"He appreciated our speed. We convey the key words because of the, Bailout Fund, "he said. The bailout funds come from the Toll Road Business Entity to build this toll, later the funds will be replaced.

"For 2016, Rp. 16 trillion (bailout funds), all will be absorbed. While in 2017 we are only allocated Rp. 13 Trillion whereas our needs are Rp. 28 Trillion, "It is clearly related to the BTB Toll development budget.

Responding to this, Novanto said that in the near future his party would meet with the government, the Minister of Finance, stakeholders, and related budgetary bodies to discuss the available budget to accelerate infrastructure development. "Hopefully everything will go smoothly," he explained.

Related to the visit of the DPR Speaker to the Itera campus which is located beside the BTB Toll Road, the Director General will seek the Gate to Gate operation, which is the Lematang Toll Gate and Kota Baru / Itera along 5 km. From field observations, the road sections have been given concrete pavement, markings, and signs so that vehicles are fit for passing. "It seems not too difficult, God willing, we can operate in two months," he said.

He also said, at the beginning of February, the Minister of Public Works, the Minister of BUMN, and the Minister of ATR / BPN would come to review the construction of the BTB Toll Road. "So that everything is fast, right? Our target is before the Asian Games are over. If this toll road can attract others (other Sumatran Toll Roads), "explained Arie.

As information, up to January 24, 2017 according to data received by Bina Marga, the progress of BTB Toll Land acquisition is quite encouraging. Following the details, Package 1 (sta 0 + 000 - 39 + 400) is free 74.333%, Package 2 (sta 39 + 400 - 80 + 000) is 74.397%, Package 3 (sta 80 + 000 - 109 + 000) is 63 , 43%, and Package 4 (sta 109 + 000 - 140 + 938). (ian)