The Trans Java toll road has been built and operates along 933 Km starting from Merak in Banten to Grati, Pasuruan in East Java. President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo inaugurated the operation of the new toll road which is part of the Trans Java along 201 Km on Thursday (12/20). On that day, the President inaugurated a toll road at two locations each in Bandar (Km 671 + 500), East Java and on the Kalikuto Bridge (Km 383 + 000). The Trans Java toll road that connects Merak to Banyuwangi, East Java has a total length of 1,150 Km.

 The Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono in his report said, in the 2015-2018 period the Trans Java toll road that was built and operated along 616 Km. This number complements the length of the Trans Java toll road which had operated previously, namely 75 Km (in the period 2005-2014) and 242 Km (in the period 1978-2004). On the occasion, Basuki also expressed his gratitude to all parties and stakeholders who have worked hard and assisted the Ministry of PUPR in realizing the construction of the toll road.

"Likewise, for all levels of society affected by this toll road, we extend my thanks for your cooperation and support," said Minister Basuki.

The toll roads that were inaugurated by the President in East Java are Wilangan-Kertosono (38 Km), Kertosono-Bandar (1 Km), Porong-Gempol Relocation (6 Km) and Pasuruan-Grati (14 Km). Whereas in Central Java they are Pemalang-Batang (34 Km), Batang-Semarang (75 Km) and Salatiga-Kartasura (33 Km). While the 217 Km Pasuruan-Banyuwangi section that is being built is planned to operate in 2021. The new toll road can be utilized by the community free of charge until the end of the year.

Director General (Dirjen) of Bina Marga Sugiyartanto said, the operation of the Trans Java toll road will result in the distribution of vehicles that previously relied on the North Coast line (Pantura). According to him, some vehicles will move across the toll road with consideration of certainty in time and better road conditions. The government is currently formulating tariff policies that can support the use of the Trans Java toll road as a logistical route.

"Long distances that are quite far away will have to be calculated separately, for example a vehicle passing 800 km does not mean paying IDR 800 thousand, this is being calculated," said Sugi.

While regarding the existence of toll road resting places (rest areas), Sugi explained that all rest areas, both type A, type B and type C, 70 percent of the capacity of the commercial area will be designated specifically for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It aims to move the local economy in the district / city. Some of the rest areas will also be operating in the Christmas and New Year holidays this time.

"At least some of the (type) A's have (operated) with between 30-50 km each, type I (B) is sure to be filled, the service function is better compared to the previous Lebaran mudik season when the toll road is still functional, "He continued. (Kompu BM)