Dumai Residents Thank President and Police Chief for 'Shining' New Bridge

Residents of Bumi Ayu Village, Dumai City, Riau Province, have thanked President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo for the construction of the Merah Putih Presisi bridge. Locals can now cross the bridge without fear.

This was conveyed by a resident, Ibu Aldilah, during a dialogue with the Police Chief at the inauguration of 80 Merah Putih Presisi bridges on Wednesday (8/7/2026). Aldilah, who has lived in Bumi Ayu Village since 1990, said the bridge’s condition before the repairs was extremely concerning. “In the past, since we lived here in the 90s, the bridge had many holes, and the surface was slippery,” Aldilah said.

Aldilah and other residents had to be extra careful when crossing the bridge, especially on motorbikes. She admitted to having to push her motorbike across the bridge to avoid falling into the holes. “We had to push our motorbikes so we wouldn’t fall,” she said.

Aldilah, who runs a canteen, recounted her child’s experience before the repairs. Due to the slippery surface, her child’s purchased gas cylinder fell into the river. “Yesterday, my child was bringing home a gas cylinder. Because the road was slippery, the gas cylinder fell into the river. That was our past experience crossing the bridge,” she said.

Aldilah expressed her gratitude after the bridge was repaired by the Riau Regional Police. She no longer feels anxious when crossing. “But now, after assistance from the Police Chief and the President, our bridge has become good, beautiful, and lovely. In the local language, it has become ‘bedelau’ (shining or gleaming),” Aldilah said.

Aldilah greatly appreciated the police’s efforts in building the bridge. She thanked the Police Chief and the Riau Police ranks. “Thank you for the assistance from the Police Chief and the President, our road is now good. Thank you, Police Chief,” Aldilah said.

On the same occasion, Aldilah’s niece, Raisa, an elementary school student, also thanked the Police Chief and the President. Raisa no longer needs to take a long detour to go to school.

Hearing this, Police Chief General Sigit was pleased that the bridge’s presence was beneficial to the community. He also expressed appreciation to Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and his staff for their hard work in building the bridge. “Thank you. I am grateful to the Regional Police Chief and the Resort Police Chief who have worked hard to build the bridge,” said the Police Chief.

On that occasion, General Sigit also urged the public not to keep their distance from the police. Instead, he asked residents not to hesitate to inform the police if they encounter any issues related to the force. “I want the community in Bumi Ayu to continue to have no distance with our members, so we can respond quickly. Then, if you see our members behaving inappropriately, please help remind us, so we can truly work according to the community’s expectations,” concluded the Police Chief.