2,500 Suspension Bridges Targeted for Completion by August

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya shared a video on his social media account on Sunday (21/6) showcasing the progress of suspension bridge construction in several regions of Indonesia. The project to build thousands of bridges is the result of synergy between the government, the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), and the community, aimed at enhancing connectivity to reach remote areas. In a statement accompanying his post, Teddy emphasised that building bridges is not only about providing physical infrastructure but also about opening wider access and bringing new hope to residents who have long been hindered by geographical conditions. He explained that in many areas separated by rivers for decades, the presence of a bridge can bring significant change to people’s lives. Therefore, President Prabowo Subianto is pushing a suspension bridge development programme to create faster, safer, and more equitable connectivity across the country. According to Teddy, the acceleration of bridge construction continues through close collaboration between the government, the Army, and local communities. The bridges being built serve as a solution for areas that have faced access limitations for years due to difficult terrain and a lack of transport facilities. Teddy revealed that the government is targeting the completion of 2,500 suspension bridges by August 2026, after which construction will be further intensified to reach the goal of 5,000 bridges by the end of 2026. He added that the benefits of the suspension bridges are already being felt directly by the public. Besides facilitating mobility, the infrastructure also eases access to education, health services, and other public facilities. For the younger generation living in remote areas, Teddy noted, a bridge holds a deeper meaning than just a connecting structure; it symbolises the opening of opportunities and a better future.