Bridge Collapses After Inauguration, Pangandaran Military Commander Apologises

Pangandaran Military District Commander (Dandim) Lieutenant Colonel Czi Citra Kurniawan has issued a public apology over the collapse of the Pongpet Bridge as it was being crossed by the entourage of Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami. He acknowledged negligence on the part of the organising committee, which failed to limit the number of people on the bridge because they were caught up in the atmosphere of the inauguration.

The incident, in which the sling cable of the Pongpet Bridge snapped, occurred in Margajaya Hamlet, Margacinta Village, Pangandaran Regency, during the bridge inauguration ceremony on Sunday afternoon (30/8/2026). The suspension bridge’s retaining cable came loose due to overcapacity as dozens of people crossed it simultaneously.

“It was indeed our mistake at the Kodim. During the inauguration, we did not control the capacity of those crossing the bridge. At that moment, there was euphoria on our side and among the community because one of Pangandaran’s tourist destinations was reopening,” the Dandim told reporters, as reported by detikJabar on Monday (31/8).

The incident began when the Forkopimda entourage, together with the Regent and the Dandim, crossed the bridge after the welcoming agenda. Suddenly, the sling cable on the right side, along with its anchor block, came loose and snapped. Nevertheless, the frame and lower structure of the 60-metre bridge are confirmed to remain intact.

According to technical specifications, the bridge was designed with a maximum load capacity of 2 tonnes, with a safe usage rule of around 60 percent of capacity.

The organisers had previously installed warning signs at both ends of the bridge with a maximum limit of three pedestrians or one motorcycle at a time. However, during the inauguration ceremony, it is estimated that more than 40 people were on the bridge simultaneously.

“It had previously been tested about a week before the inauguration in August with two motorcycles and six people, and the condition was safe. But during yesterday’s incident, it is estimated that there were more than 40 people on the bridge,” he added.