President Prabowo Inaugurates 218 Bridges, Strengthening Regional Access and Disaster Management

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates 218 bridges in various regions across Indonesia through a hybrid event via video conference from his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java province, Monday (03/09). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 218 bridges in various regions across Indonesia through a hybrid event via video conference from his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java province, on Monday (03/09).

This inauguration is part of the Government’s efforts to accelerate basic infrastructure development, especially in disaster-affected areas and regions that need better transportation access.

In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia has a geographical character full of potential as well as disaster risks. This condition demands readiness from the Government and all components of the nation in building resilient infrastructure.

“We realize that our country is located in a ring full of disaster potential. Geologically, we are on the Ring of Fire, with numerous volcanoes. This also makes our country rich in many important minerals and also makes our soil fertile. But, from time to time, we must be ready to face natural disasters,” said the President at the beginning of his remarks.

Therefore, the Head of State viewed that the construction of hundreds of bridges in a relatively short time is an achievement worth appreciating. According to him, this success shows the seriousness of various parties, especially the ranks of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and regional officials.

“Today’s event, the inauguration of 218 bridges that have been completed in 2.5 months, is an extraordinary achievement. This achievement shows the sincerity of all TNI soldiers, all officials in disaster-affected areas and other areas that really need these bridges,” said the President.

Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak in his report explained that bridge construction is part of the accelerated infrastructure development program carried out by the Army ranks. He explained that to date, bridge construction has been underway at more than a thousand points throughout Indonesia.

“I would like to deliver a report on bridges. Today, we have started working on 1,072 bridges and 218 of them have been completed,” said Maruli, reporting from Lhok Kuyuen village, Sawang district, North Aceh regency.

He also highlighted the direct impact of bridge construction on public access to education in various regions, especially for students. In addition, according to him, the Army also prioritizes bridge construction in disaster-affected areas where, based on surveys, there are hundreds of bridges that need immediate handling.

“Especially for disaster areas. We have surveyed 480 bridges, and this number may continue to increase. We have completed 145 bridges,” explained Maruli.

On that occasion, Maruli also expressed appreciation to government ranks who have helped the cross-ministry coordination process. In the future, the Army targets the acceleration of bridge construction throughout Indonesia to continue so that the basic infrastructure needs can be fulfilled immediately.

“We hope in August, the bridges can be completed, schools in disaster areas can be completed in October, while for all bridges in Indonesia, hopefully early next year as many as 7,000 bridges can be completed,” said Maruli. (BPMI) (EST/MMB)