New TNI-Polri Bridges and Clean-Water Facilities Improve Lives Across Indonesia
As many as 3,395 bridges built by the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), along with 3,000 clean-water facilities established by the TNI, were inaugurated on Thursday (08/13).
Via video conference, people from across the country told President Prabowo Subianto how the new infrastructure had improved their everyday lives.
Agus Sutisna, a resident of Bayah district in Lebak regency, Banten province, stated that before the bridge was built in his area, he had to take a seven-kilometer detour along the national road to bring his child to school, a journey that took 25 to 30 minutes.
“Today, a suspension bridge has been through the collaboration of TNI and Polri. Alhamdulillah, Bapak, our, our child can now walk to school without needing a vehicle or to be accompanied by either parent. Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Bapak Prabowo,” he said.
A different story came from eastern Indonesia. In Manokwari city, West Papua province, Rumerus expressed appreciation for the inauguration of the Armco bridge in his village, where residents had to cross the river for their daily activities for six years.
“We are very grateful because you pay attention to us, especially our children and grandchildren who go to school. We also have women and men who trade for a living. For six years in this village, we have had to cross the river. Perhaps you can feel what we feel. We had to go down the river. The children had to take off their shoes. In fact, when it poured, we would be stuck in the village. We could not do our activities,” he said.
Another expression of appreciation came from Raas island in the Madura islands. For residents of the island, which is six hours by boat from the regency, the construction of five borehole sites has brought significant benefits, particularly in meeting water needs.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the President for establishing five borehole sites in our district. Thank you once again, Bapak President. I hope this initiative will bring benefits, especially to our community,” said a representative of the people of Raas island.
Responding to the stories shared during the inauguration, the Head of State called for the infrastructure be properly maintained so it can continue benefiting the people over the long term.
“Most importantly, the bridges must be properly maintained. Follow the instructions, as there may be limits on the weight they can support,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/EP)
