Road Infrastructure Improvement Strategies to Support Community Economic Growth in North Labuhanbatu Regency

Abstract

This study formulates a priority strategy for improving road infrastructure to support community economic growth in North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. A descriptive qualitative field design was employed between July and August 2026. Primary data were obtained through field observations, guided in-depth interviews, documentation, and structured strategic-factor assessments involving key stakeholders from the Regional Development Planning Agency, the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, subdistrict or village government, road users, and business actors. Secondary evidence was drawn from official statistics, planning documents, and relevant literature. The data were triangulated and analyzed through Internal and External Factor Evaluation, SWOT mapping, geometric-mean aggregation of expert judgments, and the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix. The findings reveal a sharp spatial disparity: central corridors enjoy relatively stable paved access, whereas the coastal and plantation-production corridors face severe deterioration, soft-soil constraints, tidal flooding, overloaded freight vehicles, and high last-mile transport costs. The strategic position lies in Quadrant I at (X, Y) = (+0.34, +0.39), indicating an aggressive-progressive posture. QSPM identifies accelerated coastal rigid-pavement construction financed through central-government transfers, particularly the Regional Road Presidential Instruction and earmarked physical transfers, as the leading priority with a Total Attractiveness Score of 6.12. Its effectiveness depends on complementary axle-load enforcement, corporate social responsibility consortia for maintenance, and spatially enabled complaint and monitoring systems. The study contributes an implementable, place-sensitive policy sequence that connects road investment with lower logistics costs, improved market access, and more inclusive rural income growth.