127 Garuda bridges boost connectivity for West Sumatra residents after disaster
A total of 127 Garuda Merah Putih bridges built by Regional Military Command (Kodam) XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol together with local communities are now supporting connectivity for residents of West Sumatra following the hydrometeorological disaster that struck in late 2025.
“The number of beneficiaries is very large. This access truly connects villages, both for schoolchildren and for residents transporting agricultural produce and working on their plantations,” said Pangdam XX/Tuanku Imam Bonjol Major General TNI Arief Gajah Mada in Padang Pariaman on Saturday.
He said the TNI built 134 pioneer bridges through mutual cooperation, but only 127 units are currently operational, while seven other units are still in the final stages of completion.
In addition to road and bridge access, the TNI has also built clean water borehole facilities to meet the basic needs of communities in affected areas.
The Pangdam said his command plans to continue the infrastructure development programme in September to expand its positive impact on the economy and residents’ welfare.
“The plan is that in September, Garuda Bridge construction will also be carried out at 22 new locations. Then, 97 clean water borehole units will also be built in various parts of West Sumatra,” he said.
He expressed hope that the presence of the bridges and clean water facilities would accelerate inter-village connectivity and revive the local economy.
He urged beneficiary communities to maintain and care for the public facilities that had been built together.
“I hope the bridges that have been built can be maintained, cared for and guarded together so that their useful life can last longer to support residents’ activities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Padang Pariaman Deputy Regent Rahmat Hidayat said that as a result of the hydrometeorological disaster late last year, 60 bridges in the area suffered damage.
He said the damaged bridges ranged in size from a few metres to up to 180 metres, disrupting local connectivity.
“Alhamdulillah, several bridges have been built by the TNI. Of course we express our deepest gratitude to the President and also to the TNI,” he said.
He noted that one of the Garuda Merah Putih bridges built by the TNI together with the community in Padang Pariaman, located in VII Koto Padang Sago District, has already been used by 1,154 residents for five months since the infrastructure was completed.