76 Garuda Bridges Connect 142 Villages Across Three Papua Provinces

A total of 76 Garuda Bridges have been built within the area of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih to improve connectivity for 142 villages and kampungs spread across three provinces in Tanah Papua.

Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General TNI Febriel Buyung Sikumbang in Jayapura on Friday said the construction benefits 32,828 heads of household, or approximately 133,081 people.

“The construction provides direct benefits to 32,828 heads of household, or around 133,081 residents,” he said.

The 76 bridges consist of 15 Armco bridges, 55 concrete bridges, and six suspension bridges.

Febriel said the bridges were inaugurated simultaneously on Thursday (13/8), with the main event centred in Kampung Wonorejo Pir IV, Mannem District, Keerom Regency, Papua.

The bridges connect 142 villages or kampungs spread across Papua Province, Papua Pegunungan, and Papua Tengah.

The presence of the bridges is expected to ease public access to education and health facilities, as well as centres of economic activity.

Febriel said the construction of the Garuda Bridges is also part of the TNI’s role in helping to overcome community difficulties in the region.

“The construction of the Garuda Bridges is part of the implementation of TNI’s unity with the people, because the presence of soldiers is not only in the context of defence and security, but also helps improve community welfare,” he said.

The President stated that throughout 2026 the TNI has built 2,500 village bridges, while the National Police has built 874 bridges to strengthen community connectivity.

Prabowo is targeting the completion of more than 5,000 bridges by the end of 2026.