North Sumatra Residents Rejoice as Long-Neglected Road Finally Paved

For decades, the residents of Sipiongot in North Sumatra have lived with the consequences of a neglected road, a symbol of unfulfilled promises. But with the ongoing paving project, a tangible sense of freedom and progress is finally arriving.

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Eight decades or nearing a century since Indonesia's independence, we have not truly enjoyed that independence until today.

"Eight decades or nearing a century since Indonesia's independence, we have not truly enjoyed that independence until today," said Sabarullah Ritonga, a Sipiongot resident, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. His words capture the deep-seated anticipation and relief felt by the community as the road connecting North Padang Lawas and South Tapanuli regencies via Sipiongot is being asphalted.

The project, overseen by the North Sumatra Provincial Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Public Housing Agency, is showing encouraging progress. As of June 21, 2026, the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot section had reached 23.474% completion, significantly exceeding initial targets. Other sections, Sipiongot-Batas Labuhanbatu and Sipiongot-Tolang, are also underway.

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We are very happy. We really need the road.

Chandra Dalimunthe, head of the agency, confirmed that the work is proceeding according to plan, even ahead of schedule. The project has entered a critical phase with the application of AC-BC asphalt, a key foundation for the road's improved quality. "The completion of this initial work is an important foundation for the road structure improvement process to proceed according to the established technical standards and produce good construction quality in the field," Dalimunthe stated.

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The completion of this initial work is an important foundation for the road structure improvement process to proceed according to the established technical standards and produce good construction quality in the field.

Governor Bobby Nasution has been actively promoting the project, sharing updates on its progress. He previously posted a video of the Sipiongot-Tolang section's excavation and embankment work, highlighting its potential to support equitable development and strengthen connectivity between Padang Lawas, Labuhan Batu, and South Tapanuli. The governor has set a target for the road's completion by 2028, emphasizing its importance for bringing development to remote areas.

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The construction of the Sipiongot to Tolang road is currently entering the excavation and embankment phase. This road is expected to support equitable development to remote areas and strengthen connectivity between Padang Lawas, Labuhan Batu, and South Tapanuli.