Condition of Tanjung Alai Sumbar-Riau Crossroad Damaged After Landslide

Kapanlagi.com - **Landslide Hits the Sumatra Crossroad in Tanjung Alai, Traffic Disrupted!**

The village of Tanjung Alai, located in the XIII Koto Kampar District, Riau, is facing serious problems again. Due to heavy rain that hit the area at the end of November 2024, the Sumatra crossroad experienced a landslide at a point that had previously been repaired. This incident caused traffic to be hampered, with long queues of vehicles stretching far.

Police Commissioner Taufiq Luqman Nurhidayat, Director of Traffic at the Riau Regional Police, informed that to address the congestion, they implemented a stop-and-go system around the landslide location. He also urged drivers to choose alternative routes through Kuantan Singingi Regency towards West Sumatra.

This crossroad is a vital link between Riau and West Sumatra, making immediate repairs a top priority. Let's take a closer look at the chronology of the incident and its impact in a summary from Liputan6, Saturday (30/11).

1. Chronology of the Landslide

On November 25, 2024, heavy rain poured over the Tanjung Alai area, triggering a shocking landslide that destroyed a road that had just been in the process of repair after subsiding last September. The extreme rainfall made the surrounding soil structure increasingly fragile, causing the road to suffer severe damage once again. AKP Vino Lestari, Head of the Traffic Unit of the Kampar Police, revealed that the landslide blocked most of the vehicle lanes, prohibiting heavy vehicles from passing in order to reduce the load on the road. Meanwhile, small vehicles could only pass with a strict alternating system, managed by vigilant officers.

2. Traffic Management and Alternative Routes

The Director of Traffic at the Riau Police urged drivers to choose alternative routes through Kuantan Singingi Regency towards Kiliranjao, West Sumatra. Although the distance is longer, this step is expected to alleviate the congestion caused by the landslide. In Tanjung Alai, an alternating system is implemented, so drivers must be prepared to face queues that could take hours. Heavy vehicles are also prohibited from passing to maintain road safety. For those choosing the alternative route, remain vigilant, as some sections of the road are still under repair.

3. Efforts to Repair Roads by the Ministry of PUPR

The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) is currently deploying its fleet of heavy equipment to address the damage caused by landslides that disrupt vital access in Tanjung Alai. Although a bailey bridge was built after the landslide in September, the project has not yet been fully completed. This repair is a top priority, considering that the Sumatra crossroad in the area is a crucial route for logistics distribution between Riau and West Sumatra. By involving labor and heavy equipment, this effort aims to expedite the reopening of access while also strengthening the surrounding slope structure to prevent similar disasters from recurring.

4. Impact of Landslides on Drivers and Logistics

The recent landslide has caused severe traffic congestion, significantly affecting the distribution of goods and the travel of residents. Trucks transporting essential goods have been forced to switch to longer alternative routes, resulting in skyrocketing logistics costs. Meanwhile, drivers who dare to traverse the Tanjung Alai route must be prepared to get stuck in hours-long traffic, especially during peak hours. Many drivers have complained about the lack of emergency facilities along the route. Nevertheless, the government is committed to promptly repairing this road condition to restore its function as a vital link between the two provinces.

5. Long-Term Plan for the Sumatra Cross Road

The local government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, is preparing strategic steps to strengthen the infrastructure on the Sumatra cross road, which is often threatened by landslides. This ambitious plan includes the construction of a more efficient drainage system to ensure rainwater flows properly, as well as permanent reconstruction at critical points to guarantee the safety of drivers. Additionally, the installation of warning signs will be increased to enhance road user awareness. With these measures, it is hoped that landslide incidents can be minimized while simultaneously improving the quality of road infrastructure in Sumatra.

6. What causes landslides on the Tanjung Alai Sumatra Cross Road?

Heavy rains that have been pouring over the area have caused landslides, devastating the already vulnerable soil structure that is unable to withstand the continuous flow of water.

7. How is traffic managed at the landslide location?

A system of opening and closing is now implemented, and for the time being, heavy vehicles are prohibited from passing to ensure smooth traffic flow.

8. What alternative routes are recommended?

Riders are advised to explore the stunning route that crosses Kuantan Singingi Regency towards Kiliranjao, West Sumatra. This route not only offers breathtaking natural scenery but also an unforgettable travel experience.

9. When is the road repair expected to be completed?

The repair team is working hard to fix the damaged road, but unfortunately, there is currently no official estimate of when the road conditions will return to normal.

10. What steps is the government taking to prevent landslides in the future?

The government is designing strategic measures to beautify and strengthen the Sumatra transit route by improving drainage, reinforcing slopes, and upgrading infrastructure. These efforts are expected to not only enhance travel comfort but also ensure safety and smooth transportation flow on this island rich in natural beauty.

(kpl/ank)