Batam tollroad project to address traffic gridlock

JAKARTA. The Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BPK FTZ) is upbeat over the future of its planned toll road project it has been included in the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI).

Director of One-door Services (PTSP) and BPK FTZ spokesman Dwi Djoko Wiwoho told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the 25-kilometer long toll road, which would connect Hang Nadim International Airport-Muka Kuning Industrial Zone-Batu Ampar Cargo Port, would address severe traffic congestion that had disrupted industrial activities.

The project was initiated in 2010 and completion was projected for 2016, however, it was stymied by various problems.

The toll road will stretch 15 km from the container port in Batu Ampar to Muka Kuning; and 10 km from Muka Kuning to Hang Nadim airport.

“Initially, it was planned that the project would be put up for tender in 2012, but as it was included in the MP3EI, it needs a presidential regulation. We are optimistic the presidential regulation will be issued before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ends his term in office [this year],” said Djoko.

Djoko said that the project would cost Rp 1.6 trillion (US$135 million). According to the plan, the toll road will be fully operational four years after the tender process begins.

BPK FTZ appears to be serious about working with foreign investors on the project as it often promotes the project at various international forums. On Sept. 8, 2012, for instance, it offered the project to 24 ambassadors visiting Batam during the 2012 Riau Islands Province Diplomatic Tour.

Djoko said the project would not be hampered by land acquisition like in other provinces because land in Batam was outright owned by BPK FTZ.

Earlier, Riau Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) deputy head Amat Tantoso said traffic congestion in Batam was alarming. He said that congestion should not hamper export and import activities.

“We positively welcome the planned construction of the toll road project in Batam to support the flow of cargo and services,” said Amat.

Traffic congestion in Batam has worsened alongside population growth and the open system of vehicles entering Batam. Previously, vehicles were limited to a one-in-one-out entry policy to Batam, which regulated that vehicles entering Batam must have a demolition certificate.

However, following regional autonomy, the system was phased out as management of Batam was handed over to the Batam city administration and Batam Industrial and Development Authority, which is now the BPK FTZ. (Fadli)