About Jembatan Kelok 9
Jembatan Kelok 9 is an elevated viaduct and scenic roadway in Harau, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Located on the Trans-Sumatran highway connecting West Sumatra and Riau, it consists of six bridges spanning a steep valley at about 80 meters height. Completed in 2013 to replace the historic Dutch-era winding road, it is notable for its engineering design, sharp curves, and panoramic views of forested hills and valleys.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a 2.5 km long elevated roadway with six curved bridges winding through a steep forested valley. The site offers designated viewpoint areas and parking bays where visitors can stop to view the viaduct structure, the old winding road below, and surrounding hills of the Harau Valley. The environment is open-air with road traffic, food stalls and photo spots, primarily experienced as a scenic drive and viewpoint stop.
Key highlights
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Six-bridge elevated viaduct stretching 2.5 km across a valley up to 80 meters high
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Panoramic views of Harau Valley forested hills and the old Dutch-era Kelok 9 road below
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Iconic engineering landmark on the Payakumbuh-Pekanbaru Trans-Sumatra highway
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Designated viewpoint and parking areas for photography and sightseeing
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Illuminated bridges at night offering distinct viewing experience
History of Jembatan Kelok 9
The original Kelok 9 winding road was constructed during the Dutch colonial period between 1908 and 1914 to connect the west coast of Sumatra with the east. Due to steep terrain and sharp bends, a new elevated viaduct was built from 2003 to 2013 and inaugurated in October 2013 to improve safety and connectivity between West Sumatra and Riau.
Culture & Context
Kelok 9 is an iconic landmark of West Sumatra and Lima Puluh Kota Regency, widely recognized as a symbol of modern infrastructure in the Minangkabau highlands and a popular scenic stop for domestic travelers traversing Sumatra.
Route
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