New Roads and New Economic Hopes in Kute Riyem | Part 1
For decades, the people of Kute Riyem Village, Linge District, Central Aceh Regency, have transported their crops along muddy paths during the rainy season and dusty during the dry season. Some farmers transport their produce along these paths on battered motorbikes, which often have to be pushed due to the mud.
Due to frequent use, these paths have become like water buffalo puddles. To avoid the severe mud that could cause motorcycle breakdowns, farmers have created alternative routes that have never been used. This results in longer journeys and the risk of punctured tires from thorns or sharp branches.
The difficulty of access to and from Kute Riyem hampers the economic growth of the rural community. Kute Riyem is a center for productive crops, not just coffee, but also lemongrass, vegetables, rubber, and perennials such as areca nut and candlenut.
"It used to be difficult to transport agricultural produce, but now the road is better," said Juriati (55), a resident of Linge, Central Aceh Regency, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Abdul Muti (50), who often travels along the footpath from Kute Riyem, echoed this sentiment. He said the opening of the economic road in Kute Riyem has opened up greater and faster business opportunities. The road is now passable by motorcycles and even cars.
Vegetables and fruit, which previously required a longer travel time, can now reach the market quickly. "So, the vegetables are still fresh when they reach the nearest market," he said.
This new road has raised new hopes for economic growth for the Kute Riyem community, and even for the Linge District and Central Aceh Regency as a whole. Access, which was previously limited and required higher distribution costs, can now be reduced. The road is not yet fully completed, though it was targeted for completion in a month.
The Commander of the 0106 Aceh Tengah Military District Command, Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Raden Herman Sasmita, revealed that the opening of the new road is part of the 126th TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) program in Central Aceh. The new road has been opened for 3.6 kilometers, and his team has cleared a further 1.5 kilometers.[]
Continued to Part 2
