South Sumatra Coal Toll Road An Infrastructure Solution That Changes the Economic and Environmental Paradigm

Palembang, January 15, 2025 — South Sumatra Province (Sumsel) has long been the backbone of Indonesia's coal industry. However, for two decades, intensive coal transportation activities have caused severe damage to road infrastructure, triggering chronic congestion, and eroding the quality of life of the community. Now, the presence of a 118-kilometer (KM) dedicated coal road managed by PT Servo Lintas Raya—a subsidiary of PT Titan Infra Sejahtera (TIS)—offers a solution to this problem. Not only does it divert thousands of trucks from public roads, but this infrastructure is also key to achieving the 131 million-ton coal production target in 2025, while strengthening Indonesia's position as a contributor to 6% of global coal exports.

Damage and Socio-Economic Impact

Since the early 2000s, South Sumatra has grown into a national coal production center, with production reaching 119 million tons in 2024. However, this growth has not been matched by adequate infrastructure development. Trucks carrying 30–40 tons flooded public roads, especially on the Muara Enim–Lahat–Palembang route. Data from the South Sumatra Public Works (PU) Department indicates that 70% of road damage in the eastern part of the province is caused by coal transportation.

Bambang Sutrisno (52), a public transport driver in Muara Enim, describes the suffering of residents: "A 50 KM journey from Muara Enim to Lahat could take 3–4 hours due to potholes and trucks parked haphazardly." Without intervention, economic losses were projected to reach Rp1.2 trillion per year due to road repair costs and logistical inefficiencies.

Legal Basis and PT TIS Commitment

The existence of this dedicated road is in line with Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation, particularly Article 123, which prohibits the use of public roads for large-scale mining transport. PT TIS responded to this challenge through its subsidiary, PT Servo Lintas Raya, which has been gradually constructing the dedicated road since 2010.

Yayan Suhendri, Head of Government Relations at PT Servo Lintas Raya, emphasizes the company's commitment: "Public roads are the right of the community. We want to ensure that the industry does not damage public infrastructure."

Superior Infrastructure: Technology and Investment

This dedicated road stretches from Muara Enim—the mining center—to the PT Swarnadwipa Dermaga Jaya Special Coal Port on the Musi River. Built with an investment of Rp1.2 trillion, this infrastructure is equipped with advanced technological features:

• GPS Tracking System: Monitors the speed, load, and position of trucks in real-time.
• Special Construction Materials: 40 cm thick asphalt with a polymer mixture, capable of withstanding loads of up to 50 tons per truck.
• 15 Monitoring Posts: Equipped with load testing equipment and vehicle technical condition checks.

"We limit the maximum speed to 40 KM/hour and require special tires to reduce vibrations," explained Yayan.

Positive Impact: Logistics Efficiency and Budget Savings

Since becoming fully operational in January 2025, this dedicated road has reduced the volume of coal trucks on public roads by up to 60%. In PALI Regency—formerly the worst congestion point—public vehicle travel time has decreased from 2 hours to 30 minutes. The South Sumatra Transportation Department recorded a 45% decrease in coal truck accidents in the first two months.

Logistics efficiency has also increased significantly. Truck travel time to the port has been reduced from 12 hours to 6 hours. "The company's operating costs have decreased by Rp200,000 per truck per day," said Hendra Wijaya, Logistics Manager at PT Batubara Sumsel Energi.

For the government, savings in road repair budgets have reached Rp200 billion per year. "These funds have been reallocated for the construction of schools and health centers," said Ahmad Syarifuddin, Head of the South Sumatra PU Department.

Flyover Pros and Cons at KM 48: Between Needs and Reality

Despite its success, the project has drawn criticism regarding the planned flyover at KM 48 in PALI Regency. The local government proposed the flyover to anticipate an increase in coal production to 150 million tons by 2026. However, PT TIS believes the flyover is not yet urgent. Traffic analysis shows that the hauling route can accommodate 1,500–2,000 trucks/day.

"We implement a time slot system to avoid accumulation," explained Yayan. On the other hand, the PALI DPRD insists: "A flyover is needed as a long-term solution," emphasized Rudi Hartono, Chairman of the Infrastructure Commission.

Environmental Impact and Mitigation Efforts

The operation of this dedicated road has not been without environmental criticism. WALHI South Sumatra reported an increase in air pollution around Muara Enim. PT Servo Lintas Raya responded with:

• Planting 50,000 trembesi and mahogany trees.
• Installing dust monitors at 10 vulnerable points.
• Providing eco-driving training to reduce carbon emissions.

"Trucks with emissions exceeding the limit are subject to a Rp5 million fine," emphasized Yayan.

Multimodal Integration: Toll Roads and Railways

In the future, PT TIS plans to integrate this route with the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road and the PT Bukit Asam coal railway line. The Ministry of Transportation has welcomed this plan. "This is in line with the target of 30% coal transport via rail by 2030," said Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

Private-Government Collaboration: A Model for Other Regions

This project proves that private-government collaboration can solve infrastructure problems while driving economic growth. In addition to saving budget funds, this project has created 2,000 local jobs.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif stated: "This model is worth adopting in East Kalimantan and West Sumatra."

Toward a Sustainable Coal Center in Southeast Asia

With regulatory support, technological innovation, and environmental commitment, South Sumatra is poised to become a leading sustainable coal center in Southeast Asia. This dedicated road not only saves public infrastructure but also balances economic, social, and ecological interests.

Collaboration among stakeholders is key to success, proving that natural resource management can be carried out responsibly. This step is expected to inspire other regions in Indonesia.

The South Sumatra dedicated coal road is a real example of infrastructure transformation oriented towards sustainability. Through innovation and collaboration, this province is not only overcoming old problems but also positioning itself as a key player on the global energy map—without sacrificing the rights of the community and the environment.