Medan. The damaged road leading to Bahorok District, in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province, which also provides access to the Bukit Lawang tourist attraction, has been damaged and neglected for a long time.

However, handling the damaged road to Bahorok is now one of the priorities of the Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, in the infrastructure development program.

Governor Bobby Nasution has allocated a budget ceiling of Rp64 billion for repairing damaged roads on three sections leading to Bahorok, namely the Simpang Marike-Timbang Lawang Section, the Kuala-Sp Marike Section, and the Tanjung Selamat-Sp 3 Namu Unggas Section.

This was conveyed by the Head of the Bina Marga, Bina Konstruksi and Cipta Karya (BMBKCK) Office of North Sumatra, Chandra Dalimunthe, in Medan on Thursday (4/6/2026).

The details of the Rp64.2 billion budget allocation are as follows:

1. Improvement of Provincial Road Structure on the Simpang Marike-Timbang Lawang Section in Langkat, 5.7 km long, amounting to Rp34.2 billion
2. Improvement of Provincial Road Structure on the Kuala-Sp Marike Section in Langkat, 3 km long, amounting to Rp18 billion.
3. Improvement of Provincial Road Structure on the Tanjung Selamat-Sp 3 Namu Unggas Section in Langkat, 2 km long, amounting to Rp12 billion.

Chandra stated that the handling of these three road sections is currently in the tender stage. However, it is hoped to be completed soon so that the repair work on the damaged roads in these three sections can begin immediately.

“What is certain is that this year we will handle the damage on these three road sections. These three road sections are part of Governor Bobby’s Fast Best Results Program (PHTC),” explained Chandra.

The construction of these damaged roads is also intended to facilitate public access while boosting the tourism sector, especially the Bukit Lawang area, which is known as one of North Sumatra’s leading ecotourism destinations.

Handling these damaged roads, added Chandra, is also a response to public complaints. “The Governor of North Sumatra has actually long heard residents’ requests for the roads to be repaired,” he explained.

“However, because the focus was previously on disaster management, and also due to budget constraints, the handling is scheduled for this year,” added Chandra.

Chandra further stated that the road construction program in Langkat and other regencies/cities in North Sumatra is a concrete step by the North Sumatra Provincial Government to build infrastructure through the Integrated Infrastructure program. “That is why 2026 is the year of acceleration for our roads and bridges,” concluded Chandra.

Bahorok District

Bahorok District is a sub-district in North Sumatra, Indonesia, best known as the gateway to the Bukit Lawang ecotourism area within the Gunung Leuser National Park. This region gained international recognition in the 1970s as a sanctuary for Sumatran orangutans, where a rehabilitation center was established to reintroduce ex-captive orangutans into the wild. Today, Bahorok is a popular destination for jungle trekking, wildlife observation, and experiencing the biodiversity of one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a small village in North Sumatra, Indonesia, best known as the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park and a major center for orangutan rehabilitation and ecotourism. It was established in the 1970s as a site for the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, which reintroduced rescued captive orangutans into the wild. Today, it attracts visitors for jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, and its serene riverside setting.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is a province in Indonesia known for its stunning natural beauty, including Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, and the cultural heritage of the Batak people. Historically, the region was part of ancient kingdoms and later became a Dutch colonial territory, playing a significant role in the spice and rubber trade. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural and economic hub, with Medan as its bustling capital.

Langkat Regency

Langkat Regency is a region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically known as a center of the Deli Sultanate’s influence and a major producer of palm oil and rubber during the Dutch colonial era. The area is home to significant cultural sites, such as the 19th-century Azizi Mosque and the remnants of royal palaces, reflecting its Malay heritage. Today, Langkat combines natural attractions like Bukit Lawang—a gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park—with a rich colonial and royal history.

Simpang Marike-Timbang Lawang Section

The Simpang Marike-Timbang Lawang Section is a notable road segment in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, connecting the Marike intersection to the Timbang Lawang area. Historically, this route has served as a key transportation corridor linking the city center to surrounding residential and industrial zones, reflecting Medan’s growth during the late 20th century. Today, it remains an important thoroughfare for local traffic and commerce.

Kuala-Sp Marike Section

The Kuala-Sp Marike Section refers to a segment of the historic Spiš Region in present-day Slovakia, known for its rich medieval heritage. This area encompasses the town of Spišská Kapitula (often called “Spiš Chapter”) and surrounding sites, which were part of a larger ecclesiastical and cultural center dating back to the 12th century. It is notable for its well-preserved Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including the St. Martin’s Cathedral, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tanjung Selamat-Sp 3 Namu Unggas Section

The Tanjung Selamat-Sp 3 Namu Unggas Section is a rural area in North Sumatra, Indonesia, primarily known for its agricultural and plantation activities. Historically, it has been part of the broader Deli Serdang region, which developed under Dutch colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries through tobacco, rubber, and palm oil plantations. Today, the area remains focused on farming and small-scale industry, reflecting its enduring connection to the land.

Medan

Medan is the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia, and a major economic hub known for its cultural diversity. Historically, it grew rapidly in the late 19th century as a center for the Dutch colonial tobacco and rubber plantations, attracting migrants from across the region. Today, it features landmarks like the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan, reflecting its rich colonial and Islamic heritage.