BANDA ACEH | ACEH INFO – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) accompanied by Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo, inaugurated four sections of the Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road made by PT Hutama Karya, Monday, September 9, 2024.
The inauguration was carried out Baitussalam Toll Gate, Aceh Besar Regency. The four toll sections include Section 2 Seulimeum – Jantho (6 km), Section 3 Jantho – Indrapuri (16 km), Section 5 (Blang Bintang – Kuto Baro (8 km), Section 6 Kuto Baro – Baitussalam (5 km) which is part of the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS).
In his remarks, President Jokowi emphasized that toll roads are very important infrastructure to improve connectivity, so the acceleration of toll road construction will continue, including on the Trans Sumatra Toll Road which will be connected along 2,998 km which will be connected from Lampung to Aceh.
“We hope that the JTTS will encourage economic growth and economic equality on the island of Sumatra as well as increase the efficiency of travel time and multiplier effect. Today we are inaugurating 4 (four) of 6 (six) sections of the 35 km Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road which was built since 2019. I am sure that the construction of this infrastructure will grow new economic and business points and motivate micro businesses to expand their businesses and revive the economy in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province,” President Jokowi said.
President Jokowi Inaugurates Four Sections of the Sigli Banda Aceh Toll Road
The inauguration ceremony was marked by pressing the siren button, followed by the signing of an inscription by President Jokowi. Also present were Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia Dito Ariotedjo, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Admiral Agus Setiadji, Pj. Governor of Aceh Safrizal ZA, Regent of Aceh Besar Muhammad Iswanto, Director General of Bina Marga Rachman Arief Dienaputra, Director of Operation III of Hutama Karya Koentjoro, and President Director of Adhi Karya Entus Asnawi Mukhson.
Executive Vice President (EVP) Corporate Secretary of Hutama Karya Adjib Al Hakim said that the Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road consists of 6 (six) sections with a total length of 74.2 km, is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) which is very important for infrastructure development in the westernmost part of Indonesia.
“The overall investment value of the construction of the Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road is Rp 13.55 T. To date, we have successfully operated 49 km of the toll road, including the four sections inaugurated by the President today. We are also targeting to complete the construction of the remaining Section 1 by the end of the year, so that the toll road can be fully operated soon,” said Adjib.
The four toll road sections that were inaugurated are equipped with various facilities designed to provide comfort and safety for road users. These facilities include 5 Toll Gates with a total of 22 substations, as well as 2 pairs of type A Service Rest Areas (TIP) consisting of rest areas, refueling stations, as well as 24-hour patrol and ambulance services.
In addition, a sophisticated traffic management system has also been implemented to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and minimize the potential for accidents. For information, the Sigli – Banda Aceh Toll Road Sections 2, 3, 5 and 6 have been operated in stages with a span of 3 (three) years from 2021 to 2023. It is recorded that vehicle traffic passing through reaches 3,500 vehicles per day.
While in terms of structural facilities, these four sections have 3 Interchanges; Lane Width 3.6 m; Number of Lanes 2×2 Initial Phase with a Plan Speed of 100 km / h which will cut travel time from Seulimeum to Baitussalam from 1.5 hours to 30 minutes.
The advantage of this toll road construction is the special attention to environmental impact and sustainability around the project. Especially in the construction of Section 1 (Padang Tiji – Seulimeum) Hutama Karya implements several environmentally friendly innovations, such as Elephant Bridges, Reptile Tunnels, and Primate Crossing to ensure the preservation of wildlife habitat and support ecosystem sustainability.
“The presence of this toll road is not only beneficial for improving connectivity between regions, but is expected to encourage the growth of the tourism, trade and logistics sectors in Aceh Province. In addition, we are committed to continue prioritizing environmental sustainability in every project we undertake,” Adjib concluded.
President Jokowi Appreciates Banda Aceh General Hospital Services
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, together with a number of Ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet and Acting Governor of Aceh, Safrizal ZA visited the Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital, Monday, September 9, 2024.
Knowing the presence of the number one person in RI, a thousand families of patients at RSUDZA immediately rushed to approach. President Jokowi’s distinctive smile greeted friendly. Some who were lucky, could take selfies with the President. While some others looked smiling satisfied because they got a shirt given by the President.
The children were equally happy. School-age children received notebooks, while toddlers received special packages from the President. Meanwhile, for the elderly, the President distributed a large package of staples.
After reviewing RSUDZA facilities, the President appreciated the services at the hospital which became the main reference in Aceh.
“Amazingly, health services here reach 2 thousand patients every day. In the future, of course, it needs to be expanded and added beds so that more patients can be served,” said the President.
To help RSUDZA improve its services, the President has also helped add several additional facilities.
“Earlier, what we helped and had arrived was the Cath lab and the next to come was MRI and CT Scan,” the President added.
As is known, President Jokowi came to Aceh in order to officially open the National Sports Week (PON) XXI 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra, tonight ba’da Isha, at Harapan Bangsa Stadium Lhong Raya.
But as usual, President Jokowi never wastes his visit in every region. Today, after landing at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport Blang Bintang, President Jokowi immediately went to Baitussalam Toll Gate, to inaugurate the functional Sigli-Banda Aceh (Sibanceh) Toll Road.
As is known, the Sibanceh Toll Road is one of the National Strategic Projects initiated by President Jokowi. If the entire section is completed, the Sibanceh Toll Road will be connected to the Trans Sumatra Toll Road, all the way to Lampung.
From Baitussalam Toll Gate, the President, accompanied by the Acting Governor of Aceh and a number of ministers, went to H Dimurthala Stadium in Lampineung area. The President seemed to want to see firsthand the significant changes in the stadium full of history, after major renovations to be used as a venue for group B football sports at PON XXI.
Accompanied by Pj Governor Safrizal and Minister of Human Development and Culture Muhajir Effendi, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Aryo Tedjo, President Jokowi signed the inscription of H Dimurthala Stadium Renovation.
SWI Aceh Singkil Board 2024-2029 Period Inaugurated
The Indonesian Journalists Union (SWI) Aceh Singkil for the period 2024-2029 was officially inaugurated. This organization is committed to creating professional journalists who focus on presenting accurate and quality information to the public.
The inauguration was carried out by the Secretary of DPW SWI Aceh Province, Adhi Patra Agus Salim and attended by SKPK heads, and journalist organizations in Aceh Singkil, at the Cultural Arts Building, Singkil District, Monday, September 9, 2024.
Chairman of SWI Aceh Singkil, Yudi Sagala, emphasized that the organization’s vision is to build strong and transparent communication between the media, the community and the government.
“We want to ensure that people receive correct and not misleading information,” said Yudi.
Thus, he continued, the community can play an active role in overseeing government performance and participating in regional development.
SWI Aceh Singkil is committed to increasing the capacity of journalists through various training and development programs.
“We will routinely hold journalistic training to improve the quality of journalistic work in Aceh Singkil,” Yudi added.
The Acting Regent of Aceh Singkil, represented by Assistant II Faisal, appreciated the formation of SWI Aceh Singkil. He emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship between the government and the media in an effort to develop Aceh Singkil sustainably.
“We really appreciate the role of the media in delivering transparent and accurate information,” said Faisal.
Faisal added that the local government is open to working with the media to realize good governance.
“The synergy between journalists and the government is the key to creating a transparent and accountable government,” said Faisal.
To the newly appointed SWI Aceh Singkil board, Faisal advised to always uphold the values of independence, integrity and professionalism in every task carried out.
“Journalists are pillars of democracy who have an important role in shaping public opinion,” he concluded.