Govt Mulls Constructing Samarinda Toll until New Capital City

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following the decision to relocate the capital city to districts of Kutai Kartanegara and Penajam Paser Utara in East Kalimantan, the government was required to review the construction plan of Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road.

The head of Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Danang Parikesit, said that his side had discussed with related parties whether the highway construction would be continued until the center of the future capital.

“Pak Minister (Basuki Hadimuljono) asked us to review the toll route, and we had invited the government officials and Bina Marga for discussions on the route because of the capital [relocation], as well as with the initiators especially Waskita Toll Road that also ordered us to conduct a review,” said Danang at Menara Kadin, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 29.

Danang said he could not reveal the decision before the study result was obtained on whether the toll road was viable to reach the new capital city. He hoped the result could be gained soon so that a decision could be made.

“The existing toll operator, Jasa Marga, was also reviewing the impact of the new capital city as the initiator of the Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road project was doing. So let’s just wait for a little time,” Danang said.

EKO WAHYUDI