Mr. Muhyan Yunan, the Head of Provincial Public Works expressed his appreciation to the United States Government for its $280 million assistance in the Banda Aceh – Calang road reconstruction. “The road is important for our lives.  Good infrastructure will accelerate development.  That is what Aceh needs.”

He couldn’t be more right.  Aceh’s coastal road has been a part of many people’s lives.

Mrs. Annisa is one of the commuters who live in downtown Banda Aceh.  She is a teacher in Ritieng High School, some 20 kilometers southwest of Banda Aceh.  Since the road has been paved, her husband lets her ride a motorbike to school.  “Before, my husband used to drive me because the road was still under construction. He was worried if I slipped on gravel.  But now the road is smooth and wide so the trip is more comfortable and safe,” said Annisa who has been a teacher for more than 10 years.

Ms. Yusmiza, the headmistress of Lhoong High School, is also grateful for the completion of the Banda Aceh – Lhoong segment of road.  Fourteen of her teachers who live in Banda Aceh have to commute 50 kilometers every day.  The new paved road has made the trip easier and has cut the travel time in half. “Some of my teachers take public transportation to go to school.  Since the road’s completion the public minibus is easier to get so my teachers are rarely late for the class anymore.”

Rieski, a student in Syiah Kuala University, also commutes everyday from her house in Peukan Bada, 9 kilometers southwest of Banda Aceh. Everyday she rides her motorbike to her campus.  The road is even a part of her life on her days off, because she likes to ride her motorbike to the beach with her friends.  Before the tsunami, Rieski and her friends used to make a trip to the waterfall in Lhoong or further up to Geurutee to enjoy the beach view from uphill.  The tsunami that destroyed most of the road along the west coast had stopped them from traveling for a while.  But when the asphalt was laid, Rieski and her friends couldn’t wait to make a trip again.

Yaya couldn’t agree more. She and her friends enjoyed a holiday swimming in Lhoknga Beach.  “We really like coming here.  The road looks beautiful now and smooth so we can hum while driving.  It was difficult to hum and sing on the broken road,” said Yaya while laughing cheerfully.

The Provincial Public Works recognizes the beauty of the new west coast road.  Mr. Yunan is also pleased with the outstanding quality of the road.  “We are proud that Aceh now is one of the provinces that has the best quality of road in Indonesia,” said Mr. Yunan.