Caring for Ampera Bridge as a Tourist-Friendly Destination

For anyone who has set foot in Bumi Sriwijaya, the Ampera Bridge is more than just a steel construction connecting the two sides of the Musi River. It is a vital artery, a historical witness, and a space of longing for every sojourner and traveller. However, the beauty of this iconic leisure spot has recently been disturbed by mischievous hands, evidenced by the disappearance of the pedestrian barrier’s iron railings and complaints about illegal parking. Moving quickly in response to this unease, the Palembang City Government in South Sumatra is now stitching back the comfort atop the red bridge. Ampera’s visage is being spruced up, transforming into a tourist attraction that is much friendlier, safer, and warmer for anyone who comes to visit. “Palembang is a city rich in history and culture. Therefore, visitor safety is a priority. We want everyone who comes to feel comfortable and take away a positive experience,” said Palembang Mayor Ratu Dewa. Enjoying the gentle breeze of the Musi River from Ampera’s pedestrian walkway now feels calmer. The Palembang City Government’s move to install six CCTV surveillance cameras along the bridge serves as an answer to citizens’ anxieties. Whereas cameras previously only covered the middle section, now vulnerable corners in the upstream and downstream areas of the bridge do not escape 24-hour digital monitoring. This measure has proven effective in narrowing the operational space for criminal acts and vandalism that once marred the bridge’s aesthetics. This sense of security is further completed by the presence of Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnel standing guard in shifts. Notably, the local government’s approach is more humanist. One example is how officers manage content creators who often conduct live broadcasts at night. The government does not prohibit their creativity, which helps promote Ampera’s beauty on social media. While educating them, officers merely direct them to park their vehicles in safe, barcode-based official parking bays, ensuring the pedestrian and road lanes remain clear for walkers and other motorists.