Jambi Governor Al Haris said that construction of a dedicated road for coal transport in the province is progressing as planned, with work being expedited to enable early operation.
The road, being built by PT Inti Bangun Sarana (IBS), will connect the mining site in Mandiangin district, Sarolangun regency, to Tenam village in Batang Hari regency. Out of the total 101 kilometers, 72 kilometers have been completed. The remaining 29 kilometers pass through forested areas and require final approval for forest area use permits.
"The dedicated coal hauling road in Jambi now has a clear solution. We just need to follow through with all the processes to ensure smooth progress," said Al Haris during an inspection of the coal road project in Batang Hari Regency on Monday.
Al Haris highlighted plans to construct an underpass in Bathin XXIV district to bypass a national road junction and reduce traffic congestion caused by coal trucks.
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IBS is also accelerating the construction of a long-span bridge over the Tembesi River, expected to be finished by late July 2025. The bridge forms a critical part of the coal transport route.
Al Haris acknowledged challenges including terrain management and road safety measures to accommodate heavy truck traffic.
Another company, PT Sinar Anugerah Sukses (PT SAS), is expected to complete coal stockpile and port facilities soon, which the governor said would further ease coal transport issues in the region.
Local residents have long voiced concerns over road damage, traffic accidents, air pollution, and noise caused by coal trucks using public roads.
The dedicated road aims to reduce these impacts by diverting coal transport traffic, improving safety and environmental conditions.
Editing by Reiner Simnajuntak
