Herman Deru Inaugurates Coal Hauling Road in Lahat Regency, Residents Now Free from Dust and Traffic Congestion

Residents of Lahat Regency, particularly in the Merapi Area Subdistrict, can now finally breathe a sigh of relief. This is not only because a ban had previously been imposed on coal trucks using public roads, but also because a dedicated coal hauling road owned by PT Levi Bersaudara Abadi is now operational at KM 01 PT Levi Bersaudara Abadi / KM 017 Stockpile PT Servo Lintas Raya, Lahat Regency.

With the presence of this special road, the threats of dust pollution and traffic congestion that have long troubled residents are no longer the main concerns.

Inauguration by the Governor of South Sumatra

The dedicated road was officially inaugurated by the Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru. The operation of this special coal hauling road marks an important milestone in supporting smoother coal distribution while also promoting improved welfare for business actors and surrounding communities.

The road is expected to resolve longstanding issues caused by coal trucks traveling on public roads, such as traffic congestion, environmental damage, and disruptions to community activities.

Herman Deru emphasized that each region has its own unique challenges and solutions. According to him, the construction of this dedicated road represents a concrete solution to the traffic problems caused by coal transportation, which have had widespread impacts.

“The dedicated coal mining road initiated and implemented by PT Levi Bersaudara Abadi in Lahat Regency is officially in use today. This is not only about infrastructure, but also about humanitarian concerns. Environmental test results in the Merapi area show a very significant difference. Before December 31, 2025, the air quality was actually unfit to breathe. Today, thank God, the air is much fresher,” he stated.

This inauguration marks a historic moment for the people of Lahat Regency, as it opens the way toward a more orderly area, free from congestion and coal dust.

Commitment of the Lahat Regency Government

Meanwhile, the Regent of Lahat, Bursah Zarnubi, stated that the inauguration of the hauling road answers the long-standing hopes of the community.

“The construction of this dedicated coal road is a form of our commitment to providing real solutions for the community. For years, we have faced traffic congestion, dust, and road damage due to coal trucks passing through public roads. Today, we are witnessing together that this commitment has been realized,” said Bursah on Sunday (February 15, 2026).

He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the provincial government, the regency government, the company, and community support.

“This success would not have been possible without the support of the Governor, the synergy of the Forkopimda, DPRD, OPD, and the role of the business sector. We hope the existence of this hauling road truly provides positive impacts on environmental quality, public safety, and regional economic growth,” he added.

Bursah invited all parties to jointly safeguard and supervise the operation of the dedicated road to ensure it remains in compliance with regulations and provides long-term benefits for Lahat Regency.

An 18-Year Long Wait

Separately, the Deputy Regent of Lahat, Widia Ningsih, expressed gratitude for the realization of the hauling road construction, which went through a lengthy process of nearly 18 years.

“Thank God, after a long journey of almost 18 years, this coal hauling road has finally been realized. This is the result of collaboration among all parties. God willing, the presence of this road will minimize the impact of dust and environmental issues such as congestion, while also preserving the durability of the national road,” she said.

This achievement serves as clear evidence of the Lahat Regency Government’s commitment to advancing strategic infrastructure development, improving environmental quality, and supporting sustainable regional economic growth.

The Strategic Role of PT Servo Lintas Raya

The connectivity between the dedicated road and the stockpile facilities owned by PT Servo Lintas Raya is a key factor in ensuring that coal distribution runs in a more orderly and efficient manner without burdening public roads.

This infrastructure integration strengthens a more controlled and environmentally friendly coal logistics system. In addition to supporting smooth business operations, the presence of the hauling road also provides direct benefits to the community in the form of cleaner air, reduced accident risks, and improved comfort in daily activities.

Source : Palembang Tribunews