Gov’t Accelerates Connectivity in Disaster-Affected Areas

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya deliveres report during the Cabinet Plenary Meeting at the State Palace, Monday (12/15). Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr

The construction of emergency Bailey bridges in several disaster-affected areas on the island of Sumatra continues to show significant progress.

Prior to the Cabinet Plenary Meeting on Monday (12/15), a video was played, highlighting the progress of several Bailey bridges that have been completed.

At the opening of the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that seven out of the 50 bridges scheduled to be built this December have been completed. “We are showing four videos of seven Bailey bridges that were completed as of yesterday, out of the 50 bridges currently under construction this December,” Cabinet Secretary said.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, all bridge materials were transported from Jakarta to the disaster-affected areas to restore transportation access and public mobility.

“For a single bridge, the weight ranges from 30 to 50 tons, and the materials were transported from Jakarta to three affected provinces,” he added.

One of the completed bridges is the Bailey Bridge at Teupin Mane in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province. As of 14 December, access for motorcycles and pedestrians has been restored, while access for four-wheeled vehicles is expected to be fully operational soon.

In addition, the Anggoli Bailey Bridge in Central Tapanuli regency has been installed with a span of 33 meters. In West Sumatra, the Bawah Kubang Bailey Bridge in Nagari Selayo and the Sikabau Bailey Bridge in Nagari Sikabau have also resumed operation.

According to Cabinet Secretary, the construction of the bridges was completed more quickly, involving the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and local communities.

“Normally the installation takes at least one month, but thanks to the cooperation of the TNI, the Polri, and local communities, alhamdulillah it was completed within one week,” he said.

In the meantime, Commander of the TNI General Agus Subiyanto reported that as many as 35,000 TNI personnel have been deployed to disaster-affected areas. Other four battalions have also been deployed to support the construction of Bailey bridges.

“We have just deployed four more battalions, namely three engineering battalions and one territorial development battalion. These battalions will support the construction of the Bailey bridges, mud and debris clearance, as well as the construction of temporary shelters and permanent housing,” the Commander remarked.

(BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/LW)