Opening Isolation: TMMD in Rejang Lebong Accelerates Distribution of Farmers’ Coffee

Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu – Residents of Seguring Village, Curup Utara District, Rejang Lebong Regency, have expressed gratitude as the opening of a 4,167-meter road under the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) program has made it easier to transport coffee and agricultural products.

Seguring Village Head Yan Husin said on Thursday that the new road access would change the fate of farmers who had long struggled to transport their crops using only narrow footpaths.

“Previously, the road was just a footpath used to carry crops from the plantations to the village. Once completed, cars and motorcycles will be able to pass through, even with passengers,” Yan Husin said while receiving a visit from the Monitoring and Evaluation Team (Wasev) of the Indonesian Army Headquarters.

He explained that the majority of Seguring’s 1,200 residents work as farmers, cultivating coffee, rice, and fruits such as durian and bananas. For decades, residents had to modify vehicles or attach chains to motorcycle tires to navigate the rough plantation terrain.

In addition to opening the new road, the TMMD program in the village also includes hardening 1,250 meters of roadway. The local government is expected to follow up with asphalt paving in the future to further expand economic access.

Head of the Army Headquarters Wasev Team, Colonel Sambas, praised the progress of the work, calling it very satisfactory. He aims to complete all physical targets before the program concludes on March 11, 2026.

“The activities are still ongoing, but we see that the results so far are excellent. I remind the task force to ensure there are no issues with the community, because TMMD is about strengthening unity between the military and the people,” Colonel Sambas said.

Meanwhile, Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri reaffirmed the district government’s full support for the program. According to him, synergy between the military and local government is key to sustainable development.

“We hope all stages of TMMD run optimally and provide tangible impacts on improving accessibility, the economy, and the welfare of the people of Seguring Village,” Regent Fikri stated.

In addition to road infrastructure, the 127th TMMD program of Kodim 0409/Rejang Lebong also includes rehabilitation of a 100-meter suspension bridge over the Musi River, renovation of uninhabitable houses, construction of bore wells, and various non-physical community outreach programs.