President Prabowo: Gov’t Builds Bridges to Assure Next Generation’s Future

(Photo: Public Relations Office of the Army)

Bridge construction is not only a physical project but also an effort to assure the future of Indonesia’s young generation, according to President Prabowo Subianto.

The President made the statement on Monday (03/09) during a dialogue with regional leaders, state apparatus, and people in multiple regions at the inauguration of 218 bridges across the country, held via a video conference from his private residence in Hambalang village, Bogor regency, West Java province.

During the dialogue, the Head of State received reports of bridge construction in several regions, including the provinces of South Sumatra, South Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi, as well as South Nias regency in North Sumatra province. The infrastructure is built to facilitate people’s mobility, especially to facilitate access for students who once had to take on risky, long journeys to school.

“I thank all the officials present here. Thank you to officials of the regional governments, the police, and the military. Please carry on this project. This is essential for our people, and it shows that the state, the central government, cares about the people’s situations, wherever they may be,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also talked with several students from South Nias regency, whose video went viral on social media because they had to cross a river to go to school. Now that the bridge construction is complete, they can go to school safely.

The Head of State also underscored that building bridges is more than a physical project—it is a way to assure the future of Indonesia’s next generation, adding that safe and quick access to school would help children to have better education.

“Our children are our most valuable assets. We must guarantee that they can go to school properly and that their conditions are good. The bridges will facilitate people’s lives and ease their burden,” he said.

In Mamuju regency, West Sulawesi province, the recently completed suspension bridge enables students, who used to have to take an-hour-long detour, to reach their school in approximately five minutes. In response to this report, the President commended everyone involved in the construction.

The President further stressed the importance of synergy among regional governments, state civil apparatus, the military, and the police in executing development programs, adding that solid cooperation is key to reaching people across the country.

“We must unite. We are one Indonesian nation. We are one big family. No one should feel superior to others. No one should feel as if they could take all the benefits for themselves. If one faces difficulty, everyone feels it too. If one village suffers, all people will share the pain,” he remarked.

The President closed his remarks by expressing appreciation to everyone who has worked hard on the ground and expressing hope that bridge construction in various regions can continue so the benefits reach more people.

“Let me express my respect to all parties who have worked hard. I hope when [the construction] is complete, you will report it to me. Thank you,” he said.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/TM)