Dedi Mulyadi Takes Over Repairs of Pongpet Suspension Bridge, Permanent Construction Planned for Next Year
The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, has stated that the West Java Provincial Government is taking over the construction of the Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Margajaya Hamlet, Margacinta Village, Cijulang District, Pangandaran. The bridge previously collapsed during a ceremonial inauguration by the Regent of Pangandaran, Citra Pitriyami, on Sunday (30/8) at approximately 4:00 PM WIB.
The Governor, affectionately known as KDM, noted that the suspension bridge was previously built without using the Pangandaran Regency or West Java Provincial budgets. However, for its permanent reconstruction, the budget will be sourced from the West Java Provincial Budget (APBD).
He expressed understanding of the Pangandran Regency’s current financial situation, which prevents them from revitalising the infrastructure due to significant fiscal pressure. “The West Java Provincial Government is aware that the Pangandaran Regency administration’s finances are unable to cope; the fiscal pressure is heavy and the deficit is high. It would cause great difficulty for Regent Citra,” he said via his personal Instagram account.
According to KDM, the West Java Provincial Government will assume authority over the bridge in Margacinta Village and proceed with building a permanent bridge, which is planned to be included in the 2027 West Java Budget. The permanent bridge will be wide enough to accommodate four-wheeled vehicles, facilitating the transport of agricultural, livestock, fishery, and marine products for the local community.
“Smooth transportation is expected to drive economic circulation and increase the activities of the surrounding community. We also remind everyone that the bridge must not be used for racing activities. We will promptly build a permanent bridge in Margacinta Village and its surroundings so that it can be traversed by cars and many people,” he said.
Previously, the Merah Putih Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Margajaya Hamlet collapsed after being inaugurated by the Regent of Pangandaran, Citra Pitriyami, on Sunday (30/8). The suspension bridge was part of a national bridge construction programme initiated by the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.
The Regent of Pangandaran, Citra Pitriyami, mentioned that she attended the inauguration upon an invitation from the Pangandaran District Military Commander (Dandim 0625). Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, she proceeded to inspect the site on foot with her entourage. However, upon reaching the middle of the bridge, the structure began to sway and became unstable.
“We requested the group following behind to move back because the swaying was being felt in the middle section. However, after walking, it suddenly collapsed and fell in a semi-prone position as the bridge tilted, with hands grasping the iron plates,” she stated.