The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is poised to finalize the selection of the winning bidder for the nation's longest toll road project, the Gedebage - Tasikmalaya - Cilacap (Getaci) Toll Road.

Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, exudes confidence in expediting the process of selecting the winner for the Getaci Toll Road tender, expressing optimism that the announcement will be made within the current year.

Basuki elaborated on the ongoing progress during a recent encounter at his residence in Bekasi, West Java, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, indicating that the ministry is in the advanced stages of engaging with potential bidders, with the aim of finalizing the selection process by the end of the year. Providing further context, Basuki said the Getaci Toll Road tender is undergoing an extension due to additional land expansion requirements for construction.

Herry Trisaputra Zuna, the Director-General of Public Works and Housing, elucidated on this extension, highlighting the inclusion of additional clearance zones and land acquisition structures for business entities involved in the project. Currently, the tender for the Getaci Toll Road has progressed to the pre-qualification stage, with expectations set for its completion by the second quarter of 2024. Anticipated construction activities are forecasted to commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2024.

In terms of project specifications, data from the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) under the Public Works and Housing Ministry reveals that the Getaci Toll Road, slated to become Indonesia's longest, spans a total length of 206.65 kilometers. The projected investment value stands at Rp37.64 trillion (US$2.4 billion). Originally designated as a National Strategic Project (PSN), the toll road was envisioned to traverse two provinces, West Java with a length of 171.40 km, and Central Java spanning 35.25 km, totaling 206.65 km. However, in the initial phase, the government plans to prioritize the construction of the Getaci Toll Road up to the Ciamis section.

This comprehensive overview of the Getaci Toll Road project underscores Indonesia's commitment to advancing critical infrastructure development, with meticulous attention to detail in the tendering process and strategic prioritization aligned with national development goals. As the project progresses through its various stages, stakeholders remain vigilant, ensuring transparency, and adherence to regulatory frameworks to realize the envisioned socio-economic benefits for the nation.