Aceh Regional Secretary Leads 2025 National Transportation Day Ceremony.

The Aceh Provincial Secretary (Sekda) acted as the ceremony inspector for the 2025 National Transportation Day (Harhubnas) commemoration. The event took place at the Koetaradja Trans Depot in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

At the culmination of the event, the Aceh Transportation Agency presented awards to several transportation figures from Aceh. The Aceh Regional Secretary, M. Nasir, presented the awards in person, accompanied by the Head of the Aceh Transportation Agency, Teuku Faisal.

The Inspirational Transportation Figure Award was given to Capt. Ichsan, a Garuda Indonesia pilot from Aceh, for his dedication to transporting Acehnese Hajj pilgrims since 2018. In 2025, Capt. Ichsan also flew 1,600 Acehnese Hajj pilgrims in four flight groups.

Meanwhile, the Dedicated Transportation Person category was awarded to Tarmizi, a labi-labi driver on the Seulimum-Banda Aceh route who has served for more than 25 years.

In the Minister of Transportation's address, read by M. Nasir, it was conveyed that the commemoration of National Transportation Day (Harhubnas) is not just an annual routine, but rather a reflection for all transportation personnel to strengthen their commitment to serving the public.

The Minister of Transportation emphasized that transportation is a lifeline that connects the hopes of the people from Sabang to Merauke.

He explained that connected and integrated transportation will have a broad impact, strengthening food distribution so that agricultural products reach markets more quickly, ensuring energy security through efficient logistics, while simultaneously opening access to education and employment.

"All of this will ultimately contribute to poverty alleviation and become the foundation for achieving the Vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045," said M. Nasir, reading the Minister's remarks.

The Minister of Transportation also highlighted the major challenges facing the transportation sector, ranging from the uncertain global geopolitical situation, limited state budgets, to public demands for transparency and improved services.

Therefore, the transportation sector is required to be closer to the people, provide affordable logistics costs, and provide adequate protection for drivers, operators, and transportation workers throughout the archipelago.

To address these challenges, the Minister of Transportation is encouraging innovation in infrastructure financing through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, so that development does not solely depend on the state budget.

Furthermore, the development of intelligent transportation systems based on digital technology must also be accelerated to ensure more efficient, safe, and comfortable services.

In addition to delivering the Minister's remarks, the Aceh Regional Secretary, M. Nasir, also emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-regional connectivity in Aceh. He stated that several land and sea routes currently require significant breakthroughs.

"Currently, it takes 16 hours from Banda Aceh to Singkil, and the same goes for Simeulue. We must capitalize on this momentum to build easier, cheaper, and faster connectivity," Nasir said.

He cited the example of road access to Muara Situlen in Southeast Aceh, which should be accessible in one hour from Subulussalam, but still requires a detour through North Sumatra, taking seven hours.

"Thank God, I've heard there's been a positive signal from the Ministry of Public Works to open this access," he said.

The Regional Secretary also spoke about the development of international maritime transportation. According to him, discussions have begun with the Penang government regarding the Krueng Geukuh-Penang Malaysia shipping route.

"The benefits for Aceh are enormous. People and goods can travel in one trip. Our farmers can export coffee, patchouli, cocoa, vegetables, and other superior commodities to Malaysia, Singapore, and even Brunei," he added.

In addition to the award presentation, the 2025 National Transportation Day commemoration also included various social activities. Social activities were carried out at orphanages and Islamic boarding schools, including the distribution of basic necessities, stationery, and prayer equipment.

State Civil Apparatus (ASN) from the Aceh Transportation Agency (Dishub) also carried out clean-up activities at various public facilities such as terminals, ports, airports, and bus stops. At Simpang Lima Banda Aceh, the Transportation Agency, along with Jasa Raharja and the Banda Aceh Police Traffic Unit, also held a charity event, distributing helmets to motorcyclists.

On that occasion, the Aceh Transportation Agency also launched the new Trans Koetaradja route from Simpang Mesra to Kajhu, served by two feeder buses daily. This service is designed to meet the needs of the community, particularly residents of Baitussalam, Aceh Besar.

"Feeder Route 9 (Simpang Mesra - Kajhu Route) will be served by two medium-sized buses, operating at 6:50 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m., starting at Simpang Mesra via Jalan Laksamana Malahayati and ending at Labuy Market," said Teuku Faisal, Head of the Aceh Transportation Agency.

Faisal added that the main goal of the Trans Koetaradja service is to alleviate congestion and provide convenient transportation and comfortable for the public.

"The Trans Koetaradja bus has been operating since 2016 and is still free because it is subsidized by the Aceh Government. This aligns with the message of the Governor of Aceh, Muzakir Manaf, to ensure that the public always has access to convenience in their daily activities," he said.

The Head of the Aceh Transportation Agency also advised that if there are any unsatisfactory services on this new route, the Aceh Transportation Agency, through the Trans Kutaraja Mass Transportation Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD), provides a 24-hour complaint service. "Please report it through the complaint number. The public can also provide input through the Trans Kutaraja app," said Teuku Faisal.