Titan Infra Sejahtera's 118 KM Special Road A Solution to Traffic Congestion and a Coal Production Booster

After a decade of battling severe traffic congestion and road infrastructure damage caused by coal trucks, South Sumatra Province (Sumsel) has finally found a breakthrough. A 118-kilometer (KM) dedicated coal road managed by PT Servo Lintas Raya—a subsidiary of PT Titan Infra Sejahtera (TIS)—officially began full operation in January 2025. This infrastructure not only diverts 60% of coal truck traffic from public roads but also serves as the key to achieving Sumsel’s coal production target of 131 million tons by 2025. With coal reserves reaching 9.3 billion tons (25% of national reserves), Sumsel is now projected to strengthen Indonesia’s position as the world’s 6th-largest coal exporter.

Two Decades of Road Damage: 40-Ton Trucks and Rp1.2 Trillion in Annual Costs

Since the 2000s, Sumsel has been the backbone of Indonesia’s coal production. However, massive mining operations were not supported by adequate infrastructure. Trucks carrying 30-40 tons congested the Muara Enim-Lahat-Palembang route, eroding asphalt roads designed for only 8-ton loads. Data from the Sumsel Public Works Office 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: “In the past, the 50-KM journey from Muara Enim to Lahat took 3-4 hours due to potholes and haphazardly parked trucks. 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 study by the Sumsel Regional Government predicted that, without intervention, congestion would cost the regional economy Rp1.2 trillion annually due to road repair costs and distribution delays.

Answering Law No. 22/2009: A Special Road with Cutting-Edge Technology

The existence of this dedicated road fulfills the mandate of Law No. 22 of 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, developed this road in stages since 2010 with an investment of Rp1.2 trillion.

The road stretches from Muara Enim—the mining epicenter—to the PT Swarnadwipa Dermaga Jaya Coal Port on the Musi River, crossing three regencies (Muara Enim, Lahat, and PALI). Equipped with advanced technology, the road is designed to withstand loads of up to 50 tons per truck.

Key Features:

1. 40 cm Polymer Asphalt Layer: Specialized material to minimize damage.
2. Real-Time GPS Tracking: Monitors speed, load, and position of 2,000 trucks/day.
3. 15 Inspection Posts: Checks truck documents, loads, and technical conditions.
4. Time Slot System: Schedules trucks from different mines to avoid overcrowding.

“We enforce a maximum speed limit of 40 KM/hour and require specialized tires. Overloaded trucks face fines of Rp5 million,” emphasized Yayan Suhendri, Head of Government Relations at PT Servo Lintas Raya.

60% Drop in Congestion, Logistics Costs Cut by Rp200,000 per Truck Daily

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

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

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

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

Controversy Over KM 48 Flyover: Preparing for 150 Million Ton Production Surge

Despite its success, the project faced criticism. The PALI Regency Government proposed building a flyover at KM 48 to anticipate a coal production surge to 150 million tons by 2026. However, PT TIS deemed the flyover unnecessary.

“Our analysis shows this route can handle 2,000 trucks/day. The time slot system is sufficient,” explained Yayan. Conversely, Rudi Hartono, Head of PALI’s Infrastructure Commission, insisted: “The flyover is needed to prevent this road from becoming a future bottleneck.”

Environmental Challenges: 50,000 Trembesi Trees and Dust Sensors

The road’s operation also posed environmental challenges. The South Sumatra Environmental Forum (WALHI) reported increased air pollution around residential areas in Muara Enim. PT Servo Lintas Raya responded by:

• Planting 50,000 trembesi and mahogany trees along the roadside.
• Installing 10 dust sensors at critical points.
• Providing eco-driving training for 1,500 truck drivers.

“Trucks exceeding emission limits must undergo servicing and pay Rp5 million fines,” Yayan stressed.

Future Integration with Trans-Sumatera Toll Road and Rail Lines

Moving forward, PT TIS plans to integrate this road with the Trans-Sumatera Toll Road and PT Bukit Asam’s coal railway. This multimodal 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 of moving 30% of coal transport to railways.”

Private-Government Collaboration: Creating 2,000 Jobs

This project exemplifies successful private-government collaboration. Beyond saving public roads, it has absorbed 2,000 local workers, from drivers to technicians.

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

With regulatory support, technological innovation, and environmental commitment, Sumsel is now on track to become a leading sustainable coal hub in the region. “We are optimistic about attracting Rp5 trillion in additional investment by 2025,” concluded Hijrah Yudha, Head of Sumsel’s Energy and Mineral Resources Office.

In closing, this coal-specific road is not merely an infrastructure solution but proof that extractive industries can coexist with community welfare and environmental sustainability.