Dialogue Between President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Representative of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) at the Inauguration of 218 Bridges in Various Regions in Indonesia, Monday, March 9, 2026
MC:
Ladies and gentlemen, I respectfully invite President of the Republic of Indonesia to have a dialogue with the following representatives:
- Pionner bridge of Military District Command (Kodim) 0420/Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI);
- Pionner bridge of Military District Command (Kodim) 1422/Maros;
- Pionner bridge of Military District Command (Kodim) 1418/Mamuju;
- Pionner bridge of Military District Command (Kodim) 0213/Nias;
- Pionner bridge of Military District Command (Kodim) 0309/Solok.
We will now begin with the first dialogue, with Commander of Kodim 0420/OKI, South Sumatra.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, Commander of Kodim [0420/OKI]? Please begin.
Commander of Kodim 0420/OKI Gunawan Wibisono:
Yes, Sir!
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Please introduce yourself. Can you hear me?
Commander of Kodim 0420/OKI Gunawan Wibisono:
(Audio is muffled).
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Your voice was not clear.
Commander of Kodim 0420/OKI Gunawan Wibisono:
We, together with the community, the Village Head, and the Sub-district, are committed to doing our most in carrying out our duties, where we….
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, thank you. That one next to you, the regent, right? Please introduce yourself.
Commander of Kodim 0420/OKI Gunawan Wibisono:
Next to us is the Head of District.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, oh, Head of District?
Head of Tulung Selapan district, OKI regency, Ricad Lee:
Good afternoon, Mr. President of the Republic of Indonesia, whom we respectfully hold in the highest esteem. Allow me introduce myself. I am the Head of Tulung Selapan district of Ogan Komering Ilir regency, South Sumatra province. We are greatly encouraged by the construction of the suspension bridge, Sir. On behalf of the people of Kuala Dua Belas village, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to you Mr. President, and to your staff for the development of this suspension bridge in our village, which now enables our residents, especially school-age children, to reach their schools more easily, Sir. That is all that we wish to convey at this time; please accept our apologies for any shortcomings. Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you very much. I sincerely appreciate your outstanding achievements and hard work. Thank you once again. Now, may I ask which Kodim will take the next turn?
MC:
Now, we will proceed to Commander of Military Regional Command XIV/Hasanuddin, at District Military Command 1422/Maros, South Sulawesi.
Commander of the Kodim XIV/Hassanuddin Bangun Nawoko:
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Walaikumsalam.
Commander of the Kodim XIV/Hassanuddin Bangun Nawoko:
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Indonesia, and distinguished senior officials. At this time, we are at the construction site of a suspension bridge (pioneer) bridge in Bonto Matinggi village, Maros regency, South Sulawesi. Together with the Honorable Governor of South Sulawesi, Speaker of the Regional House of Representatives, and on behalf of Regent of Maros, we report that the bridge construction has currently reached 60 percent completion. The bridge will extend 100 meters across a 70-meter river river, linking two Bonto Matinggi village and Bonto Manurung village, and will serve 1,527 residents of Bonto Matinggi village and 263 people in Bonto Manurung village.
This route is frequently used by schoolchildren, who must cross the river by pulling themselves along in a small gondola. One of the main construction challenges here is the relatively steep terrain. We transport construction materials using a modified ‘flying fox’ system such as this, with a load capacity of approximately 200 kilograms. The concrete casting process requires considerable time, so the current construction progress stands at 60 percent. This is broadly how we deliver materials from the near to the far of the riverbanks, where on the far side, there are villages and community plantations.
The residents of Bonto Matinggi and Bonto Manurung villages are deeply grateful for this program, which we plan to continue at approximately 337 locations, particularly across South Sulawesi province. We have communicated and coordinated with Governor of South Sulawesi, who has expressed his full support for this program, given its direct impact for the community.
That concludes our report from the bridge site in Maros regency, South Sulawesi. We respectfully seek directions and guidance from the President, whom we hold in the highest esteem and of whom we are very proud. Thank you.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you, Commander. Thank you, Governor. I also extend my gratitude to all the officials present today—regional government officials, police officers, and military officers- thank you. I urge you to continue this work, because it is very important for our people. This initiative also reflects the concern of the state and the Central Government for our citizens in all regions. Our children are our most valuable resource, and we must ensure that they can obtain quality education and grow up healthy and safe. These bridges will improve people’s lives and lighten their burdens. Thank you once again, Commander [of the Hassanuddin Military Command]. I am proud of you. Please continue your good work and always give your best.
Commander of Kodim XIV/Hassanuddin Bangun Nawoko:
Yes, Sir!
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you.
MC:
Okay, next, the pioneer bridge of Kodim 1418/Mamuju, represented by Pangdam XXIII Palaka Wira, Central Sulawesi, [in] Mamuju.
Commander of Kodim XXIII Palaka Wira Binsar Sianipar:
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Mr. President, whom we honor, this is Commander of XXIII Palaka Wira Military Command Major General TNI Binsar Sianipar.
On this special occasion, we are at the construction site of the Garuda Pioneer Bridge in Bonda Village, Papalang District, Mamuju Regency. We are accompanied by the Regional Police Chief, the Military Region Commander, the Military District Commander, the Regent of Mamuju, and representatives from the province, the Assistant I, and the Village Head, who have been directly involved in the project.
We would like to report, Sir, that the bridge was completed before the month of Ramadan. The bridge is 75 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width. This achievement is a source of pride and joy for the local community. At this time, I would like to invite Regent of Mamju to deliver his remarks on behalf of the people of Mamuju Regency.
Regent of Mamuju, West Sulawesi Province, Sitti Sutinah Suhardi:
With your kind permission, Mr. President, whom we deeply admire and love. On behalf of the people of Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province, and the Mamuju Regency Government, we express our deepest gratitude to you, our beloved President, for the construction of the pioneer suspension bridge in Bonda Village, Mamuju Regency. Alhamdulilah, our children no longer have to travel approximately one hour; now they can reach the school in Bonda Village in just five minutes.
Thank you, Mr. President. May you always be blessed with good health, Mr. President. Thank you.
Commander of Kodim XXIII Palaka Wira Binsar Sianipar:
That is all we are able to report, Mr. President. Thank you for your kind attention. The entire community has expressed extraordinary appreciation for this program. We have also brought with us, Sir, the children who went viral on social media two years ago. These children, who are now in junior high school, were still in elementary school at that time. Today, they are here to convey their deepest gratitude to you, Mr. President.
Representatives of School Children in Mamuju Regency, Central Sulawesi Province:
Thank you, our beloved President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you.
Commander of Kodim XXIII Palaka Wira Binsar Sianipar:
Thus, Mr. President, we report the progress of the bridge construction that has been completed in Bonda Village, Papalang District, Mamuju Regency. Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
That was the one before, one of them, the one that went viral.
Commander of Kodim XXIII Palaka Wira Binsar Sianipar:
That is correct, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you, Commander-in-Chief and thank you to all officials, the Regional Police Chief, the Regent, all ranks, and my beloved children. I also wish to thank the children for their courage in speaking directly today. In the end, all of Indonesia benefits, because, as the Regent mentioned earlier, many of our children once had to walk an hour to get to school, whereas now it only takes five minutes, in conditions that are much better and safe. Thank you for your hard work. Please keep it up, and make sure this bridge is well maintained. Maintain not only its physical condition, but also the excellent cooperation that has been built among all elements. The regional government, the civil apparatus elements, the military and the police must stand as one. We are one nation; we are one big family. No one should feel superior to another, and no one should feel they can succeed on their own. We are all one family. The entire Indonesian population are one great family: when one person faces hardship, everyone feels it; when one village suffers, the whole community shares that pain.
I think that is all from me. Thank you, and I would like to convey my appreciation to all parties who have worked so hard. I hope that once everything is completed, you will also report back to me. Thank you.
MC:
Next dialogue, the bailey bridge of Kodim 0231/Nias, represented by the Commander of Korem 023/KS, is welcome.
Commander of Korem 023/Kawal Samudera Iwan Budiarso:
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Your Excellency, Mr. President. With your permission, this is Colonel Inf. Iwan Budiarso, Commander of Korem 0213/Kawal Samudera. Here with me are Director of Physical Training and Drill (Binjaspas) from the Indonesian Army Engineers Command (Pusziad), the Regent, as well as high school and vocational school students who previously went viral requesting a bridge.
With your permission, Sir, we would like to report that, Sir, the bridge has been built by our colleagues from Pusziad and was completed in 50 days. The bridge is 33 meters long and is now ready to be used by the entire community. On behalf of the people, we express our deepest for your attention to Gomo District, South Nias Regency. Furthermore, Sir, the Regent or the students who went viral at the time would like to deliver a brief message.
The Regent of South Nias, North Sumatra Province, Sokhiatulo Laia:
Thank you. With your permission, Mr. President, whom we are proud of. Good afternoon, I the Regent of South Nias, on behalf of all the people of South Nias Regency, would like to express our gratitude to you, Mr. President. In December 2025 the Vice President personally inspected the bridge, which had gone viral in September 2025. Work began in January 2026, and today the bridge is ready to use, having been complete 100 percent.
We, the South Nias Regency Government together with the entire South Nias community, hope that this will not be the end, Mr. President. Many others have experienced the same difficulties, including schoolchildren who must scross river like the one where we have built this bridge, and there are still more than just one or two such locations , Mr. President. Therefore, we hope there will be a second or even a third phase of this program. That concludes my statement, Mr. President, and, with your permission, these children would also like to convey their gratitude to you.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Please. I still remember the faces that went viral back then – the children by the riverside, soaking wet. Could you play the video again, so we can recall that moment? Do we have it? What is your name, the one standing next to …?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yamisa Zebua, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Who?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yamisa Zebua.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Anisah?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yamisa Zebua.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yamisa?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
How do you spell it? How do you spell it? Yamisa.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Y-A-M-I-S-A.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Y-A-…
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Y-A-M-I-S-A.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
…-M-I-S-A.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Yamisa Zebua.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yamisa Zebua.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, Zebua is a family name, isn’t it?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
I have many subordinates named Zebua. Some are generals as well. There’s even General Zebua. All right. Yamisa, please go ahead.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Mr. President, thank you for all the assistance you have given us. Now we are no longer troubled and no longer have to take off our shoes when we go to school. Once again, thank you, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yamisa.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
How old are you, Yamisa?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Seventeen years old, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Seventeen years.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
What grade are you in?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Grade 12.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Twelve.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Where do you want to go to school? Where do you want to go?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
I want to continue my studies, but my parents can’t afford it, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
What was it?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
My parents can’t afford it. I want to continue my studies at university.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
What do you want to study? What do you want to be?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
In…medicine, Sir, medicine.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Medicine?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Okay, we’ll test you later, okay?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir. And these three friends of mine, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Who is that?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
All three of my friends want to continue their studies, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, inshaallah, all of them, yes.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir, Amen.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
But you should study hard, okay? You have to get good grades, okay?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
(laugh) Don’t start dating, alright? You said earlier that you want to focus on studying, remember? (laugh) Okay later… Danrem, please make a note on that, yes?
Commander of Korem 023/Kawal Samudera Iwan Budiarso:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Because she showed such courage and leadership at the time. So late, please report it directly to me via TikTok, alright?
Commander of Korem 023/Kawal Samudera Iwan Budiarso:
Yes, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, Yamisa Zebua, all right.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Later, the names of your friends will be recorded again, alright?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir, noted.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Alright.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Thank you, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you, thank you. Learn the truth.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Alright, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Best regards to your parents.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Alright, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you.
MC:
Allow me, Sir, we will show Adinda a video that is currently going viral.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes.
(Video showing Yamisa Zebua and her school friends as they were about to cross the river to go to school)
MC:
Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, next…
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
She… Yamisa, it’s you. You’re the one, yes, the one…
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
You are very brave to call out the President like that. But it was precisely because you raised your voice so that I was able to hear you right away. Alhamdulillah, thank you.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Okay, Good. This Yamisa has the talent to be a good leader.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Excuse me, Sir, there is another concern I’d like to raise.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Ah, you keep defending your friend. Yes, you… where’s your friend? Do you want to speak to the President?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Come on, please. Who wants to speak again?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
About the MBG (Free Nutrition Meals), Sir. The MBG has not yet arrived at our school.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Not there yet?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
No, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Really?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Our parents can’t afford to pay for our food.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Mr. Regent, what is your view? Because there are some who say that MBG is not necessary and that it brings no real benefits
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Who say that? That’s not true, Sir. Not true.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Is that not true?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
It’s not.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Alright. I will do my best so that MBG can visit there in the near future.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Fingers crossed.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Alright.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Amen, Sir, Thank you, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you. So you do feel the need that MBG is necessary, right? Yet many smart people in Jakarta say there’s no need for MBG. They even say MBG is a waste of money.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Sir, excuse me, I would like to raise another concern. The road from Gomo District to Boronadu is badly damaged, and we would like it to be rebuilt, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
What’s that?
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Please, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Oh, the road…
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
And the buildings of SMK Negeri 1 Boronadu have all collapsed, Sir, as has the school field. I would like to ask that they be rebuilt, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Yes, Sir. I hope our area can receive special attention.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
We will get it done later; we will do our best. Thank you.
Representative of School Children in South Nias Regency, Ms. Yamisa Zebua:
Okay, Sir. Thank you.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, thank you. Make sure you study hard, will you?
Commander of Korem 023/Kawal Samudera Iwan Budiarso:
Thank you Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Yes.
MC:
Okay, for the next dialogue, the pioneer bridge of Kodim 0309/Solok by the Commander of Kodim 0309/Solok, please.
Commander of Kodim 0309/Solok Sugeng Riyadi:
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. The Honorable, Mr. President, this is Commander of Kodim Solok, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Sugeng Riyadi. We are currently at the Batang Bangko Gadang River Pioneer Bridge, Kodim 0309/Solok, which we have just completed. We built this bridge after the previous one was destroyed by a flash flood on December 28, 2025. The bridge was finished last Sunday and now connects two villages, benefitting around 4,700 to 5,000 people, Sir, and it is especially vital for children to use on their way to and from school.
We showed you, Sir, how before this bridge completed the children had to cross using a coconut tree as a makeshift bridge. Please allow me, Sir, to show once again the conditions before we built this bridge. After we…
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Coconut trees, right?
Commander of Kodim 0309/Solok Sugeng Riyadi:
Roger that, Sir, one [fallen coconut tree].
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Coconut wood, yes.
Commander of Kodim 0309/Solok Sugeng Riyadi:
Over there is the fallen coconut tree, Sir. Allow me to zoom in on the photo. So, after we successfully completed this bridge yesterday, alhamdulillah, the children will be able to use it safely as they go about their activities. Here with us are members of the Forkopimda, including the Vice Regent, who would like to say a few words to you. With your permission, Sir.
Vice Regent of South Solok, West Sumatra Province, Yulian Efi:
Dear Mr. President, with your permission, this is Vice Regent of South Solok. On behalf of the government and the people of South Solok, would like to express our gratitude for the assistance and programs you have provided. Our people are truly remarkable. In the past, they had to use coconut trees to cross, but today they can now use a proper bridge. Thank you and may you always be in good health, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Very well, I congratulate you on your success in building the bridge. How long did it take you to complete it?
Commander of Kodim 0309/Solok Sugeng Riyadi:
Sir, we report that it took as approximately two months to construct this bridge.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Two months, very good. Thank you. Please convey my appreciation to everyone involved: all your staff, community members, members of the relevant agencies. I believe this provides an important lesson; the Government must be responsive and act swiftly. Regional leaders, local government, village heads, sub-district heads, regents, mayors, and governors must always be truly aware of the people’s conditions. The state has in fact provided substantial funds to each village each year. There is still around Rp1 billion in village funds annually, and this has been ongoing. I ask that these funds be managed responsibly, with no misuse, so that the people’s hardships can be resolved quickly. I stepped in directly yesterday because the people’s needs were urgent. Ideally, this should have been handled in stages by the village, sub-district government, and district government, with assistance from the TNI (Indonesian National Defense Forces) and the police. However, given the current difficult situation, with disasters and other challenges, we took immediate action.
I think that is all I have to say. Once again, congratulations and thank you for your hard work. Many thanks also go to the Solok District Military Command (Kodim Solok). Thank you.
MC:
Okay, Ladies and gGntlemen, with the conclusion of the dialog on the pioneer bridge from Kodim 0309/Solok, we hereby end our dialogue session.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, to all participants in this video conference who are joining today’s virtual inauguration and dialogue, I apologize for not being able to greet each of you one by one. However, I believe we still have time to interact with two or three more participants. Therefore, if anyone would like to speak with me, please raise your hand now. Those who raise their hands first will be connected immediately.
Regent of North Aceh, Aceh Province, Ismail A. Jalil:
From North Aceh, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
From where?
Regent of North Aceh, Aceh Province, Ismail A. Jalil:
North Aceh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
North Aceh, please.
Regent of North Aceh, Aceh Province, Ismail A. Jalil:
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Your Excellency, Mr. President, first of all, I would like to convey my deepest gratitude for the assistance given for the construction of the bridge. Alhamdulillah, the bridge that has been built is safe. We, still, however, need approximately 27 additional bridges, Sir, with one in particular being the most urgent priority in North Aceh. Secondly, Mr. President, we seek your support for the repair of the severely damaged roads in North Aceh Regency. Thirdly, with regard to food security, North Aceh recently experienced a severe disaster in which 18,000 hectares of community rice fields were flooded. Therefore, for the sake of food security, we earnestly request your immediate assistance to rehabilitate these rice fields so that our farmers can return to cultivating their land as usual. That is all we can report now. We respectfully ask for your prompt support, Mr. President. Thank you. Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Alright, thank you. These matters ar already being, and will continue to be handled by the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force led by Minister of Home Affairs. I have also received a report from Minister of Agriculture. I believe the planning has been prepared, and nearly all rice fields will be rehabilitated. As we know, agriculture and food are very important priorities for us. Therefore, we will certainly repair and rehabilitate all of that. I think that covers it, and it will all be part of the Task Force’s work. Thank you.
Is there anything else? Is there anyone else who would like to speak with me directly? Please, go ahead. There is still plenty of time before iftar time, so please. If there’s no one else…where? I don’t see anyone.”
Representative of the Bonda Village Community, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province:
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. With your permission, our beloved President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Where are you from? I can’t see clearly.
Representative of the Bonda Village Community, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province:
Allow me, Your Excellency, Mr. President. I am from Bonda Village, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
That was it, wasn’t it? West Sulawesi is already there.
Representative of the Bonda Village Community, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province:
Alhamdulillah, our bridge has been completed, Sir. On behald of the residens, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to you, Mr. President of the Republic of Indonesia. This bridge is truly the answer to our prayers and perseverance. All this time, the residents of Bonda Village, together with the Regent, theVillage Supervisory Officer (Babinsa), the Military District Commander (Dandim), the District Military Command Commander (Danramil), and others, have worked hand in hand. At one point when the bridge was completely cut off; our children even had to cross using rafts because the alternative route was too far. Praise be to God, warm greetings from our children and from all the residents of Bonda Village, who are sincerely grateful for the bridge that has now been built, so they no longer have to cross, by raft or travel such a long detour . Thank you, Mr. President. Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you. Is there anyone else? If not, I would like to once again thank all of you who have taken part today. I wish you success. Continue your service. I am proud of you. Always stay close to the people, always stand with the people, always help the people. You are the people’s army. I wish you continued success in your service. Thank you. That is all.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Thank you. (RD/EP)