South Sumatra reopens Lalan River for coal transport after repair funds paid

The South Sumatra provincial government has reopened the Lalan River waterway for coal transportation effective Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after it was closed on January 1 due to delays in bridge repair funding, local media reported.

The reopening followed the payment of Rp35 billion (app US$2 million) by the Association of Lalan River Waterway Users (AP6L) as part of financing for the repair of the P6 Lalan Bridge, which collapsed in August 2024 after being struck by a coal barge.. The funds have been deposited into a regional bank account and will be used as a guarantee to ensure continuation of the repair works.

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South Sumatra Assistant Governor for Government and Public Welfare Apriyadi said physical repair work on the bridge resumed on January 2 and will be monitored under a staged disbursement mechanism tied to on-site progress. AP6L members have also committed to providing additional bank guarantees if funding shortfalls arise.

Coordination for the reopening involved the provincial government, the Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP), and local governments. Coal barge traffic is expected to resume normally from January 14.

Companies have been given seven months to complete repairs to the P6 Lalan Bridge. The Lalan River is a key coal transport route for mines in Musi Banyuasin, particularly after restrictions on coal trucking took effect at the start of 2026.

Editing by Alexander Ginting