Titan Infra Sejahtera Infrastructure is a Solution to Congestion and Boosts Coal Production

A 118-kilometer dedicated coal road managed by PT Servo Lintas Raya—a subsidiary of PT Titan Infra Sejahtera (TIS)—will be fully operational by January 2025. This infrastructure is set to divert 60% of coal trucks from public roads and act as a catalyst for South Sumatra (Sumsel) to achieve its coal production target of 131 million tons in the same year. With coal reserves of 9.3 billion tons (25% of Indonesia’s national reserves), Sumsel is projected to strengthen Indonesia’s position as the world’s sixth-largest coal exporter.

Two Decades of Road Damage: 40-Ton Loads and Trillions in Losses

Since the 2000s, Sumsel has been the backbone of Indonesia’s coal production. However, massive mining activities have outpaced infrastructure development. Trucks carrying 30–40 tons congested the Muara Enim-Lahat-Palembang route, eroding asphalt roads designed for 8-ton loads. Data from the Sumsel Public Works Agency shows that 70% of road damage in the province’s eastern region is caused by coal trucks.

Bambang Sutrisno (52), a public transport driver in Muara Enim, described the situation: “A 50-kilometer trip from Muara Enim to Lahat used to take 3–4 hours due to potholes and haphazard truck parking. We often broke down in traffic jams.” The problem worsened as Sumsel’s coal production surged from 85 million tons (2015) to 119 million tons (2024). A regional government study predicted that without intervention, congestion would cost the regional economy Rp1.2 trillion annually due to road repair expenses and distribution delays.

Technology and Regulatory Innovation

The dedicated road addresses Law No. 22/2009 on Traffic and Road Transportation, particularly Article 123, which prohibits large-scale mining transport on public roads. PT TIS, through its subsidiary PT Servo Lintas Raya, began constructing the road in phases in 2010 with an investment of Rp1.2 trillion. Stretching from Muara Enim—the mining epicenter—to PT Swarnadwipa Dermaga Jaya’s coal port on the Musi River, the road spans three regencies: Muara Enim, Lahat, and Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI).

The infrastructure incorporates cutting-edge technology, including:

• 40-cm Polymer Asphalt Layer: Durable material to minimize damage from heavy loads.
• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Monitors speed, cargo, and location of 2,000 trucks daily.
• 15 Checkpoints: Ensures document checks, cargo inspections, and truck technical conditions.
• Time Slot System: Manages schedules for trucks from different mines to avoid congestion.

“We enforce a 40 km/h speed limit and mandate specialized tires. Overloading violations incur a Rp5 million fine,” emphasized Yayan Suhendri, Head of Government Relations at PT Servo Lintas Raya.

Significant Impact: Trillion-Rupiah Savings and Productivity Gains

Within the first two months of operation, the road delivered concrete results:

• Coal truck volume on public roads dropped by 60%.
• Travel time from PALI to Muara Enim fell from 2 hours to 30 minutes.
• Coal truck accidents decreased by 45%.
• Logistics costs per truck dropped by Rp200,000 daily due to shorter travel times (from 12 to 6 hours).

“This is a revolution. Cost savings can be allocated to mine expansion,” said Hendra Wijaya, Logistics Manager at PT Batubara Sumsel Energi.

For the government, annual road repair savings reached Rp200 billion. “These funds are redirected to building 10 schools and 2 new bridges,” explained Ahmad Syarifuddin, Head of Sumsel’s Public Works Agency.

Pro-Contra Flyover at KM 48: Anticipating a 150 Million Ton Production Surge

Despite its success, the project faced criticism. PALI Regency proposed a flyover at KM 48 to accommodate an expected production surge to 150 million tons by 2026. However, PT TIS deemed the flyover unnecessary.

“Our analysis shows the current route can handle 2,000 trucks daily. The time slot system suffices,” said Yayan. Conversely, Rudi Hartono, Head of PALI’s Infrastructure Commission, argued: “The flyover is essential to prevent future bottlenecks.”

50,000 Trees Planted and Dust Sensors

Environmental challenges remain. Walhi Sumsel reported increased air pollution near Muara Enim. PT Servo Lintas Raya responded by:

• Planting 50,000 mahogany and rain trees along the road.
• Installing 10 dust sensors in high-risk areas.
• Training 1,500 truck drivers in eco-driving.

“Trucks exceeding emission limits face fines of Rp5 million and mandatory servicing,” Yayan stressed.

Multimodal Integration: Synergy with Trans-Sumatra Toll Road and Railways

PT TIS plans to integrate the coal road with the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road and PT Bukit Asam’s coal railway. This integration aims to reduce reliance on highways and boost transport capacity.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi welcomed the plan: “This aligns with the 2030 target to move 30% of coal transport to railways.”

Public-Private Collaboration: 2,000 Jobs Created

The project exemplifies successful public-private collaboration. Beyond preserving public roads, it has created 2,000 local jobs, from drivers to technicians.

“This model should be replicated in East Kalimantan and West Sumatra,” urged Energy Minister Arifin Tasrif.

Toward a Sustainable Future

With regulatory support, technological innovation, and environmental commitment, Sumsel is poised to become a leading sustainable coal hub in the region. “We aim to attract Rp5 trillion in additional investment by 2025,” said Hijrah Yudha, Head of Sumsel’s Energy and Mineral Resources Agency.

In closing, this coal road is not just infrastructure—it proves that extractive industries can coexist with community and environmental interests. This initiative exemplifies how multidimensional collaboration transforms challenges into opportunities, benefiting the economy, society, and ecosystems.