Behind the Smoothness of the Twin Provincial Roads in Magetan, Is There any Suffering that Haunts the Surrounding Residents?

MAGETAN - The 7.5-kilometer Maospati-Sukomoro twin road project with a budget of Rp32 billion is now entering its final stage. Carried out by PT Borneo Jaya Sakti, the project is targeted for completion by the end of 2025 and is expected to facilitate mobility in the eastern region of Magetan Regency.

However, amidst the splendor of the plan and the smoothness of the new asphalt, a number of residents are facing unseen suffering. Residents who live on the side of the road complain of disrupted access, deserted shops, and choked daily activities.

They have to adapt and even surrender to a situation that is uncertain, when it will return to normal. Maryam, a resident of Sugihwaras Village, Maospati Subdistrict, was one of those directly affected.

“Initially, the road access was smooth, but now it's slow,” said Maryam, a resident.

The stall that was the source of his daily livelihood is crowded with buyers, but now it has turned quiet.

“Yes, this is a shop that is usually crowded, so it is quiet, and the buyers are confused about which way to pass,” she continued.

Despite being directly affected, Maryam still has hope for the construction process of this project.

“Hopefully the project will be carried out and completed quickly, so that activities return to normal,” concluded the 45-year-old woman with a smile.

Maryam's story represents the voices of many other residents who feel torn between hopes for long-term development and the comfort of life that is disrupted every day.

In response to these complaints, PT Borneo Jaya Sakti finally spoke up. Indra Hardiyanto, as the contractor and project supervisor, ensured that the work was carried out according to technical procedures and was open to residents' communication.

“We understand there is a temporary impact, but we have designed all measures to be as minimal as possible so as not to disrupt residents' activities significantly,” he explains.

“For example, during excavation or demolition of materials that have a lot of dust, we do watering with water tanks,” he adds.

“We have tried to shorten the road opening and closing lines,” concluded the 26-year-old man.

The project hopes that residents will be patient and support the implementation of this project, as the targeted long-term benefits are improved connectivity and regional progress.

“This development is not only for the face of the city but also to open up economic opportunities in the future,” said Indra.

Even so, the community hopes that this project is not merely oriented toward the result in the form of concrete and asphalt. They demand that every process prioritizes the rights of affected residents with fair and transparent handling. (okta)