New Bridge Brings Easier Access, Hope to Villagers

For local residents, the bridge is more than just infrastructure. Spanning the river, it has transformed their daily lives, especially for farmers who for years relied on simple rafts to reach their fields and villages on the other side.

That gratitude was expressed following President Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration of 3,395 TNI-Polri Bridges and 3,000 Army Clean Water Sources through a hybrid video conference on Thursday (08/13). Among the thousands of inaugurated infrastructure projects, the bridges were already providing direct benefits to residents who had long faced limited access in their daily activities.

Evi Sri Rahayu, a resident of Ridomanah village, recalled how farmers had to find their own ways to cross the river before the bridge existed. With improvised equipment, they carried their agricultural yields across the river to continue their daily activities.

“Before the bridge built, farmers used to cross using gallons or makeshift equipment they built themselves. They would carry rice and other goods across. Alhamdulillah, now motorcycles can cross it, making things much easier and more practical,” Evi said.

According to Evi, the improved access has not only shortened travel time for residents but also offered new opportunities for the local economy. Routes that previously required residents to take a longer path along the river can now be traversed more quickly using the bridge.

“Hopefully, the local economy will continue to grow and things will get even easier, as it can now be crossed by motorcycle. Previously, we had to go down and take the longer route, but now, Alhamdulillah. It means economic activities are easier. If anything comes up, we can just cross directly without going a long way around,” she expressed.

A similar story came from Maryati, a resident of Ridogalih village who has lived in the area since childhood. She recalled a time when residents had no bridge and had to use eretan, a simple bamboo raft, to cross the river.

Maryati expressed hope that infrastructure development for the community would continue, including road improvements and other supporting facilities. She also expressed her appreciation to the President for providing the bridge that the residents had long needed.

“To the President, as residents of this village, thanks so much for the inaugurated bridge as a facility for residents going to their fields and farms. It has been a great help. Thank you,” Maryati said.

The bridge has also made a significant difference for Iman, a farmer from Ridomanah village. Working in the area for years made him fully understand the difficulty of crossing the river. In the past, residents relied on rafts or getek. In fact, when floods hit and rafts could not be used, residents sometimes had to swim across.

“Before the bridge built, we sometimes used getek or raft. When there was flooding, the raft could break loose. So, people sometimes had to swim across themselves. It was difficult. Now, Alhamdulillah, with this bridge, I am very grateful. Alhamdulillah,” Imam said.

For Iman, the bridge has brought a tangible change. The river that was once an obstacle can now be crossed more easily and safely. He also conveyed his gratitude directly to the President.

“I am very thankful to the President Prabowo. I am truly, truly grateful for this bridge. Before, I had to cross the river. Now, Alhamdulillah, I can cross using this bridge,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/AW)