2,500 Suspension Bridges Targeted for Completion by August

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya shared a video on Sunday (21/6) showcasing the progress of suspension bridge construction across various regions in Indonesia. This project involving thousands of bridges is the result of synergy between the government, the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), and local communities to improve connectivity, even in the most remote areas.

In the caption accompanying his post, Teddy emphasised that the construction of these bridges provides more than just physical infrastructure; it opens wider access and brings new hope to citizens previously hindered by geographical constraints. He explained that in many areas separated by rivers for decades, the presence of a bridge can bring significant changes to community life.

Consequently, President Prabowo Subiandum has encouraged the suspension bridge construction programme to create faster, safer, and more equitable connectivity across the nation’s corners. “In many regions that have been separated by rivers for decades, the presence of a bridge can transform people’s lives. Through the suspension bridge construction programme, President Prabowo is pushing for faster, safer, and more equitable connectivity to the far reaches of Indonesia,” Teddy stated, as quoted from a BPMI Setpres press release on Thursday (25/6).

He noted that the acceleration of bridge construction is being carried out through close collaboration between the government, the Army, and local residents. The bridges being built serve as a solution for areas that have faced limited access for years due to difficult terrain and a lack of transportation facilities.

“Now, through the cooperation of the government, the Army, and the community, new bridges continue to emerge, connecting regions that have been separated by rivers and difficult terrain for many years,” he continued.

Teddy revealed that the government targets the completion of 2,500 suspension bridges by August 2026. Following this, construction will be further accelerated to reach a target of 5,000 bridges by the end of 2026.

He added that the benefits of these suspension bridges are already being felt directly by the community. In addition to smoothing citizen mobility, this infrastructure facilitates easier access to education, healthcare, and various other public facilities.

“With the presence of suspension bridges, children no longer have to cross rivers to go to school, and the community can access various public facilities more easily and safely,” he said.

For the younger generation living in remote areas, Teddy continued, bridges hold a deeper meaning than mere connectors. This infrastructure serves as a symbol of opening opportunities and a better future.

“For children who must travel to school every day, a bridge is not just a connection between two riverbanks. A bridge is a connection to the future,” Teddy concluded.