“We’re seeing infrastructure in NTB improving steadily, particularly in roads, bridges, and other essential connectivity,” AHY said Sunday morning after attending a car-free day event on Udayana Street and enjoying a bowl of Soto with NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal in Mataram.
He emphasized that NTB’s infrastructure development requires continued support from the central government, especially the construction of connectivity routes stretching from Lombok to the eastern tip of the province in Bima Regency.
According to AHY, transport infrastructure forms the backbone of broader regional development. He praised Governor Iqbal’s vision to improve NTB’s connectivity.
“He has a forward-looking vision to make NTB more prosperous and generate greater foreign exchange. Infrastructure development is key to that ambition,” AHY said.
He assured that the proposed toll road, expected to cost around Rp22 trillion (approximately USD 1.35 billion), would receive backing from the central government.
“The central government must collaborate closely with the governor and regional governments across NTB. The potential is highly promising,” he added.
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AHY highlighted NTB’s significant opportunities for local economic growth, including the advancement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve community welfare.
“There is a lot of potential here. We need to find solutions together, and I am focused on that,” he said.
Earlier, Sadimin, Head of NTB’s Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR), noted that the Lembar–Kayangan toll road is vital as part of a national logistics corridor. Currently, the Lembar–Kayangan route suffers from congestion, with travel times reaching up to 3.5 hours.
“The toll road will reduce travel time to about 1.5 hours and significantly ease congestion. It will also help create new growth centers and promote equitable development,” Sadimin explained.
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Translator: Imansyah, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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