Lahat, KOTABARI.COM – A long traffic jam occurred on the Trans-Sumatra Highway (Jalinsum) in the Merapi Area, Lahat Regency, from Tuesday night (7/1/2025) at 9:00 PM until Wednesday morning (8/1/2025) at 9:00 AM. The congestion was caused by a coal truck that overturned and blocked the road in Merapi Timur District.
According to reports, the slow response from the coal company and transportation operators, as well as the delayed action from the police, worsened the situation. The jam stretched in both directions (Lahat-Muara Enim), creating significant inconvenience.
Riki, a fish trader stuck in the traffic, expressed his frustration. “The fish I was transporting are now dead due to a lack of oxygen. In this situation, who will take responsibility? The coal company or the local government?” Riki complained.
Other drivers, frustrated by the prolonged delay, attempted to maneuver through the jam by using the road’s sides and middle, further complicating efforts to clear the traffic.
Agus, an ambulance driver, criticized the slow response. “If prompt action had been taken by the company, the police, and the transportation agency, this situation wouldn’t have escalated to this point,” he remarked.
The Head of Traffic Police in Lahat, AKP Gunawan, reported that the traffic was finally cleared at around 10:00 AM. “The traffic jam was caused by an overturned coal truck and another truck with mechanical failure in Banjarsari Village. The congestion stretched about 1.5 kilometers,” Gunawan explained.
He added that while officers and personnel from the Merapi Police Station quickly responded, the disorganized behavior of drivers hampered the clearing process. Meanwhile, the transport operators responsible for the incident have been issued written warnings.
“We remind all operators: if a vehicle is old and no longer roadworthy, it must not be used. Soon, we will summon all transport companies to ensure compliance,” he asserted.
The traffic congestion in Jalinsum Merapi Timur serves as a critical reminder of the importance of responsibility and preparedness, especially on a vital transportation route like this.