Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, popularly known as Mualem, formally submitted a proposal for the construction of the Geurutee Tunnel to the National Development Planning Minister, who is also the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Chief, Rachmat Pambudy, on Wednesday afternoon, July 9, 2025.
The tunnel, which would run through the mountainous terrain of Aceh Jaya Regency, is considered vital for improving both accessibility and road safety along the western and southern corridors of the province.
The Geurutee route, perched along steep cliffs, has earned a reputation as a high-risk zone, especially during the rainy season and extreme weather conditions.
Speaking earlier that morning at the opening of Aceh’s Mid-Term Development Planning Forum (Musrenbang RPJM), Mualem stressed the urgency of building the tunnel to save lives.
“The Geurutee stretch is notorious for accidents—nearly every month we hear of one. Sometimes an entire family plunges into the sea,” Mualem said, appealing for federal support. “This is why we need the tunnel, Minister.”
He had previously conveyed the same request to Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo on June 25.
Akkar Arafat, Head of the Governor’s Secretariat Leadership Bureau, emphasized the governor’s commitment to safeguarding the public and securing a safer transport route for residents in the western and southern regions of Aceh.
“The Governor is seeking strong support from the central government to make the Geurutee Tunnel a reality—for the safety and welfare of the people,” Akkar said.
The road through Mount Geurutee connects Banda Aceh with Barsela (the western-southern corridor of Aceh). It hugs the cliffside, with deep ravines and frequent landslides during heavy rainfall—a treacherous yet vital artery for commerce, mobility, and public service delivery.
The proposed infrastructure is viewed as a transformative project, not only enhancing traffic safety but also promoting regional development in areas that remain economically underserved.
//rri.co.id/en/archipelago/1640507/aceh-proposes-geurutee-tunnel-to-boost-safety-regional-connectivity
