This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Progres jalan tol Semarang-Demak 1A capai 64,2%
16 June 2025
PT Hutama Karya (Persero) is implementing an innovative swivel foundation system, commonly known as Sosrobahu, in the construction of the Semarang–Demak toll road, Package 1A. This method enables construction progress to continue with minimal disruption to traffic flow on busy arterial roads.
Corporate Secretary EVP of Hutama Karya, Adjib Al Hakim, explained that the use of the Sosrobahu method offers an effective strategy to address challenges when building infrastructure in dense urban areas.
"The application of Sosrobahu technology on the Semarang–Demak toll road, package 1A, aims to minimise traffic disruptions along arterial roads with high vehicle volumes. With this method, Hutama Karya is able to construct pier heads or crossbeams without closing the lanes beneath them," said Adjib in an official press release quoted in Jakarta on Sunday, 15 June 2025.
He further stated that Sosrobahu technology has been applied to four piers along the elevated section of Package 1A (P10, P11, P13, and P14), which lies between two active arterial roads and is situated near business access routes.
The turning operation took approximately two months, with the first rotation at Pier P11 on 18 May 2025, followed by Pier P10 on 3 June 2025. Pier P14 was rotated next, and the final rotation at Pier P13 occurred in mid-June 2025, coordinated with the local transport authority.
To ensure smooth implementation, Hutama Karya launched public information campaigns via social media, local radio broadcasts, and installed traffic signage around the project site to manage the Sosrobahu activity.
“Without Sosrobahu technology, conventional construction methods would likely cause traffic congestion, restrict access to business premises, and draw public complaints. This method allows the pier head to be built parallel to the road axis, and then rotated 90 degrees into its final position using a hydraulic system,” Adjib explained.
The Sosrobahu method offers several advantages, including faster construction times, more cost-efficient traffic safety management, and the ability to carry out work without reducing road space on arterial routes. This technology is particularly well suited to dense urban environments with limited space for heavy equipment.
In addition to applying Sosrobahu, Hutama Karya has actively coordinated with police, the Transportation Agency, and other stakeholders to mitigate construction impacts. Measures taken include installing clear signage, providing adequate nighttime lighting, and deploying dedicated flagmen to manage traffic safety for road users.
“Hutama Karya consistently prioritises public safety and comfort in every project. In this case, Sosrobahu technology not only demonstrates technical capability but also reinforces our company’s commitment to minimising construction impacts on daily public activity,” Adjib concluded.
Completion expected by April 2027
The progress of the Semarang–Demak Toll Road, Package 1A—being built through a joint operation (JO) with Beijing Urban Construction Group (HK-BUCG JO)—has reached 64.2%. The installation of Sosrobahu pivot platforms marks a key milestone in the project’s execution.
Once completed, this toll road will enhance connectivity and offer protection against coastal flooding, a common occurrence in coastal areas of Semarang and Demak. It is also expected to ease congestion along the national highway, Pantura, and bolster economic productivity in both regions of Central Java.
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