TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek administration is still reviewing funding options for permanent road repairs near the Bagong Dam construction project, leaving residents facing prolonged damage along a key regional route.
Local authorities estimate that rebuilding around three kilometers of damaged road will require between Rp 7 billion and Rp 8 billion. The road has deteriorated as heavy vehicles continue supporting the Bagong Dam development project.
Trenggalek Regional Secretary Edy Soepriyanto said the budget estimate follows county road construction standards and considers the road’s load capacity.
“The Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency estimates the project could require Rp 7 billion to Rp 8 billion,” Edy said. “The figure follows district road standards and adjusts to vehicle tonnage.”
According to him, the budget could increase further if the government decides to strengthen the road structure to handle heavy construction traffic more effectively.
Despite the growing public pressure, the administration has not approved permanent repairs. Officials are still reviewing fiscal capacity and searching for alternative financing schemes.
“If we upgrade the road specifications, then we must also find alternative funding sources,” Edy explained. “Fiscal limitations remain a major consideration, especially for the 2027 budget.”
For now, the local government continues carrying out temporary patchwork repairs at several dangerous points along the route. Authorities say the emergency work aims to reduce risks for motorists and nearby residents.
“At this stage, we are still using patchwork methods in damaged areas that could endanger road users,” he added.
Edy also stressed that permanent reconstruction will require broader coordination between agencies and further discussions with related institutions before the project can move forward.
As a result, officials cannot yet confirm whether full repairs will begin in 2027. The administration still needs to finalize planning and secure budget certainty before launching a permanent solution.
Residents in Ngares Village and several nearby communities in Bendungan District have repeatedly demanded immediate repairs. Many say the road condition has worsened significantly since the Bagong Dam construction intensified.
Earlier this week, residents voiced their complaints during a public hearing at the Trenggalek Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Community representatives urged authorities to stop relying on temporary fixes that quickly break under heavy truck traffic.
Damage stretches from Ngares Village in Trenggalek District to several villages in Bendungan District. Cracked asphalt, potholes, and uneven surfaces now disrupt daily transportation for local residents.
Community representative Widjiono said residents fear conditions will become even worse if authorities delay permanent repairs until the dam project ends.
“Because there has been no solution so far, we asked the DPRD to facilitate discussions,” Widjiono said. “Our demand is simple. We want permanent road repairs now.”
Residents also worry the road will continue deteriorating because the Bagong Dam project is expected to continue until 2029.