Senator Mirah Responds to Inequality in Inter-Regional Transportation Services in NTB

05 April 2026 oleh admin

Bima, dpd.go.id - Senator Mirah Midadan Fahmid expressed her concern and serious attention to the issue of inequality in inter-regional transportation services in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on April 5, 2026. According to her, this issue is not only related to technical achievements, but also touches on aspects of development justice and the welfare of society at large.

Senator Mirah believes that achievements in performance indicators such as connectivity ratios and reduced accident rates are worthy of appreciation as part of local government efforts to improve the transportation sector. However, she emphasized that these macro indicators should not be the sole measure of success.

"The ideal transportation development is one that can be felt equally by all people, including those in remote and underdeveloped areas," he said.

He further highlighted the disparity between sea and land transportation, which remains a fundamental issue in NTB. The dominance of sea connectivity, while land transportation services still do not optimally cover all routes, indicates an imbalance in policy planning and implementation. This has the potential to widen the accessibility gap, especially for communities in remote areas who rely heavily on land transportation as their primary means of mobility.

"A more comprehensive approach based on in-depth evaluation is crucial, as is encouraging a comprehensive audit of transportation safety programs, including improving road infrastructure, vehicle monitoring, and public education," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening maritime transportation safety standards, particularly in light of the ship blackout cases, which are a serious warning for monitoring systems and operational safety. He stated that transportation safety must be a top priority, given its direct impact on public safety.

Senator Mirah also emphasized the need for cross-sector synergy in regional transportation management. Coordination between regional agencies such as the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Regional Revenue Agency (Dispenda), and the Transportation Agency is considered crucial in ensuring policy effectiveness, including in the management of Public Street Lighting (LPJU) and optimizing transportation sector financing.

"I also support increasing regional revenue through the transportation sector, such as optimizing port levies and strengthening the monitoring system for potential revenue leakage. However, I remind you that the primary focus of policy must remain on public service, not solely on increasing revenue," added Senator Mirah.

In closing, Senator Mirah emphasized that the development of the transportation sector in NTB must be directed towards the principles of equity, safety, and sustainability.

"We need transportation policies that not only look good on paper, but are truly present and whose benefits are felt by all levels of society," he concluded.*