Armed Forces Chief: Bridges Symbol of State Presence for People's Economy
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) — Indonesia’s Army Chief of Staff (Kasad), General Maruli Simanjuntak, stated that bridge construction serves as a symbol of state presence in supporting the economy and welfare of the people.
“A bridge is not merely a physical infrastructure, but also a symbol of state presence in helping mobility, economy and people’s welfare,” General Maruli Simanjuntak said in North Aceh on Monday (9 March).
The statement was made whilst launching 200 Garuda bridge points centred in Lhok Kuyun Village, Sawang District, North Aceh Regency. The activity is part of the Kasad’s Ramadan safari agenda and an infrastructure inspection for accelerated school recovery and public access restoration in disaster-affected areas across the Indonesian archipelago, including Sumatra.
During the occasion, Kasad and his wife took time to greet students and presented donations including school bags, stationery and other learning materials to pupils there as a sign of the Army’s commitment to education. Additionally, Kasad Maruli and his entourage inspected free medical treatment services provided by the Army’s Lhokseumawe Level III Military Hospital, a health initiative that was enthusiastically utilised by local residents for various healthcare needs.
Kasad emphasised that the visit also served to inspect school buildings and bridges, whilst receiving input on accelerating recovery efforts. “We prioritise bridges. In disaster-affected areas, we have surveyed approximately 480 bridges, and many require modifications. We must upgrade bridges and schools, including collaboration with the Education Ministry, with over 400 clean water facilities deployed by the Defence Ministry across three provinces, including North Sumatra and Aceh,” he said.
According to him, bridges built by the Army have significantly helped communities, particularly in disaster-affected regions. He added that Army work always involves cooperation with communities and local governments in a spirit of mutual assistance. This programme represents a genuine contribution of the Armed Forces in helping the government accelerate infrastructure recovery and address difficulties faced by residents in disaster-affected areas.
Kasad also noted that his institution is implementing all activities in accordance with President Prabowo’s directive to construct bailey bridges, Aramco bridges and suspension bridges. “In essence, we in the Army are ready and always present to help people, including the current acceleration of post-disaster recovery,” he said.
He explained that Garuda bridges represent the commitment of the Army in supporting accelerated infrastructure development with direct benefits to community welfare. “Today’s launch of 200 Garuda bridge units represents the Army’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development whose benefits can be directly felt by the people,” General Maruli Simanjuntak concluded.