Palembang – PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI) continues the construction of the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS), including the 10.24-kilometer Palembang–Betung Structure segment and a rest area located along the Palembang–Betung Toll Road. As of the end of June 2025, the construction progress has reached 52%.

“The scope of work carried out by HKI on this project includes the construction of ramps 4, 6, and 8, as well as one rest area located at STA 71+000 on the Palembang–Betung Toll Road. The Palembang–Betung Structure segment will serve as a connector between the Kayuagung–Palembang–Betung and Palembang–Indralaya–Prabumulih toll roads,” said Aditya Novendra Jaya, Director of Operations III.

The connection between the Kayuagung–Palembang–Betung and Palembang–Indralaya Toll Roads is expected to accelerate logistics delivery and daily travel, which in turn can help boost regional economic growth. During construction, HKI also supports the local economy by employing around 40% local workers and involving small and micro enterprises (SMEs) for transportation and project logistics services.

The rest area being constructed is a Type A facility, featuring a mosque, public restrooms, restaurants, a repair shop, and dedicated spaces for SMEs. A total of ten SME units are planned to support local economic activity, enabling local businesses to offer food and regional products from Palembang and Betung to toll road users.

The rest area is also designed with sufficient parking capacity, accommodating up to 157 small vehicles and 40 large vehicles, ensuring user comfort and smooth traffic flow.

The Palembang–Betung Structure segment presents complex geotechnical challenges, as it is built on peat and soft soils. To address this challenge, HKI has implemented special soil improvement techniques to ensure construction stability and safety.

HKI is also applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction process, from planning and shop drawings to initial volume calculations. A cloud-based data center is used for project information management and collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, photogrammetry is used to monitor construction progress through aerial imagery from drones, satellites, or digital cameras.

Environmental concerns remain a key focus for HKI in its infrastructure development. The company is conducting revegetation around the project site to help preserve the ecosystem. It is also implementing optimal construction analysis methods to minimize construction waste, in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

“Prior to the construction of the toll road, travel time between Palembang and Betung could take 4 to 5 hours due to heavy traffic on existing roads. With the toll road, travel time is expected to decrease to around 1.5 to 2 hours. We aim to complete the Palembang–Betung Structure segment by August 2025 and hope it will provide tangible social and economic benefits to communities in South Sumatra,” Aditya added.

Currently, HKI is also working on several other JTTS toll road projects, including the Pekanbaru Ring Road, Palembang–Betung Main Road, Betung–Jambi Section IA, Betung–Jambi Section IB, Betung–Jambi Section 2A, Betung–Jambi Section 2B, Betung–Jambi Section IV, the Medan–Binjai Rest Area, and the Betung–Jambi 1A Rest Area. In addition to JTTS, HKI is also constructing the Probolinggo–Banyuwangi Toll Road Package II and the Jakarta–Cikampek Selatan Toll Road Package 2A.