Coordinating Minister Zulhas assists application for Jepara-Demak bridge development funding

Jepara (ANTARA) — Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, has stated his commitment to assisting the funding application process from the central government for the construction of a bridge connecting Jepara and Demak regencies in Central Java.

“We are assisting because this bridge is important for food distribution routes, the economy and various community activities,” he said during a direct inspection of the connecting bridge in Kedungmalang Village, Kedung District, Jepara Regency, on Monday.

During the visit, the Food Coordinating Minister was accompanied by Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo and his team.

According to him, the planned construction of the Jepara-Demak connecting bridge has significant potential to become a driver of regional economic growth whilst strengthening food distribution between the two areas.

The current bridge width is estimated at 3.5 metres, making it impossible for four-wheeled vehicles to pass directly alongside each other on the bridge. One vehicle must wait its turn to cross due to the bridge’s curved upward structure. Even when cars pass motorcycles, riders must move aside to avoid contact with the vehicle body.

Meanwhile, Jepara Regent Witiarso Utomo stated that the construction of the Jepara-Demak connecting bridge is one of the region’s strategic needs. The infrastructure is expected to improve community mobility whilst accelerating the distribution of food production results.

According to him, synergy between the central and local governments is a key factor in strengthening the food sector, boosting regional economic growth, and maintaining the stability of essential commodity prices for the community.

The work visit is also expected to strengthen coordination between the central and local governments in ensuring the food security programme operates optimally, whilst promoting infrastructure development that supports economic growth in Jepara Regency.