Road Network Analysis and Handling Priority for Regional Development in Tana Toraja District

Abstract

The availability of transportation infrastructure connecting cities with production centers provides opportunities and stimulates regional growth and economic development. Regional economic growth can be further accelerated if supported by transportation services that run smoothly, of adequate capacity, and accessible to the entire region. Tana Toraja District has a mobility index that exceeds the minimum standard for services in public works and spatial planning based on Regulation of Minister of Public Works No.14/PRT/M/2010, and therefore should focus its road transportation services through improving existing road networks, not through construction of new roads. With the multitude existing roads that the Tana Toraja District Government must manage with limited budget, a road network planning priority is needed to ensure effective allocation and use of the limited budget for Tana Toraja District development, especially in the road network sub-sector. This study attempts to provide an alternative solution for the Tana Toraja District Government in planning priority road networks for future regional development. This study aims to: (1) Obtain conformance between road networks and potential roads in Tana Toraja District, (2) Obtain regional growth level in Tana Toraja District, (3) Construct stakeholders’ perception of road network handling in Tana Toraja District, and (4) Compile and determine road network handling priority in Tana Toraja District. The methods employed in the study are descriptive analysis, Scalogram analysis, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and logical synthesis. Results show that the highest regional potential based on population density are Makale and North Makale Sub-Districts, while the highest regional potential based on agriculture production are Mengkendek Sub-District as the greatest rice producer and Bonggakaradeng Sub-District as the greatest non-rice crops (palawija) producer. For regional development, Makale and North Makale Sub- Districts are ranked as hierarchy I areas as center of services; Gandangbatu Sillanan, Sangalla, Kurra, Bonggakaradeng, and Mappak Sub-Districts are ranked as hierarchy II area as sub-center of services; and South Makale, South Sangalla, North Sangalla, Mengkendek, Rano, Simbuang, Rembon, Rantetayo, Saluputti, Malimbong Balepe, Bittuang, and Masanda Sub-Disctricts are ranked as hierarchy III as hinterlands. Based on stakeholder perception, regional potential based on tourism objects are the priorities in determining road network priority in Tana Toraja District. Road networks that are priorities in regional development planning in Tana Toraja District are divided into two alternatives: (1) Batupapan – Rantekurra, Passobo – Kondodewata, Kokkang – Buakayu, Tetebassi – Kondoran, and tourism ring road network; and (2) Makale – Kaduaja, Batupapan – Rantekurra, Passobo – Kondodewata, Kokkang – Buakayu, Tetebassi – Kondoran, , and tourism ring road network. The construction of one of these alternative road networks will facilitate the flow of people, goods, and services which will accelerate regional economic growth. Accelerated regional economic growth will stimulate the growth of other sectors. In turn, a good, functional relationship between regional center and hinterlands will be created and will mutually support the development of these areas.