NTB Reconsiders Road Repairs as Asphalt Prices Rise

Mataram — The Saturday, November 7 update reports that the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara is reconsidering repairs at damaged road locations on Lombok and Sumbawa after asphalt prices rose.

The change comes as asphalt supplies remain below normal, potentially disrupting projects financed through the 2026 amended regional budget. The province had prepared about Rp 6 billion (about US$369,000) for the work, including repairs on strategic routes affected by flooding and landslides.

For residents and visitors moving between Lombok and Sumbawa, the development means some road works may be adjusted, delayed or prioritized selectively while officials assess what can be delivered within the available funds and material supply. The report identifies the Penujak-Montong Ajan route as already entering the road-opening and surface-stripping stage.

Why it matters to travelers and residents

Road repairs affect journeys beyond the main tourist corridors, including access to communities and routes used after flooding and landslides. The provincial review does not announce a closure or a new travel restriction, but it signals that construction schedules may depend on asphalt availability and revised unit prices.

Lalu Kusuma Wijaya, head of the West Nusa Tenggara Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing and Settlement Areas Agency, said asphalt had previously cost about Rp 1.8 million per ton. The increase has prompted a proposal to adjust prices so the work remains realistic.

The planned locations include Pusuk Sembalun, Lingkar Tambora, Rabangodun in Bima City and other sites in Bima Regency. An earlier account said asphalt and cement shortages had already prevented some prepared projects from proceeding normally, while officials expected supplies to improve in November.

The province is expected to choose projects more selectively and pursue a price adjustment. The report does not state a new completion date for all locations. The review covers roads on both Lombok and Sumbawa, while the identified work on the Penujak-Montong Ajan route has already reached preparatory activity. Officials must therefore assess the available funds alongside material supply before determining how the planned repairs proceed.

Sources

• detikBali — established regional news organisation
• lombokpost.jawapos.com
• ekbisntb.com
• ntbsatu.com