Emergency Bridge in Lembar Collapses, Residents Install Coconut Tree Trunks - Activities Paralyzed
The emergency bridge in Sekotong Timur village, Lembar subdistrict, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), collapsed because it could not bear the load. Local residents then worked together to install two coconut tree trunks as supports.
The head of Sekotong Timur village, Marwan Hakim, revealed that the bridge collapsed on Tuesday (14/4/2026) because it was not strong enough to support the weight.
“We worked together to install two more coconut trunks so that it can be crossed,” he said on Thursday (16/4/2026).
The collapse of the bridge has impacted educational activities in two villages. Many students have chosen not to attend school for fear of crossing the emergency bridge. Parents have also forbidden their children from doing so.
“That’s why many of our children don’t want to go to school, because they’re afraid of the bridge. Their parents also forbid it. The teachers are also afraid to teach,” said Marwan.
In addition, the residents’ economic activities have been disrupted. Those heading to the market have had to take detours with travel distances up to seven times longer than usual.
Not only that, the distribution of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) has also been hindered. Marwan is worried that the situation will cause the MBG to spoil due to delayed delivery.
“The MBG can’t pass through either. So it has to be relayed. We’re afraid our residents will get food poisoning because it’s been sitting there too long,” he said.
Marwan stated that he has reported the incident to the West Lombok District Government (Pemkab). He hopes that the construction of a permanent bridge will be accelerated to avoid potential victims.
“I’ve already reported it to the Head of Department, he said the tender preparations are ongoing. That’s why I want it to be sped up, in case there are casualties later,” he emphasised.
Previously, the bridge connecting Mareje village and Sekotong Timur village, Lembar subdistrict, West Lombok, was severed by river currents on Sunday (22/2/2026). Around 300 households were isolated for two days due to the collapse of the main access.
That bridge was the only connection between Sekotong Timur village and Mareje village in Lembar subdistrict. The bridge’s severance paralysed residents’ activities, including the distribution of goods and vehicle mobility.
The head of Sekotong Timur village, Marwan Hakim, said the bridge’s severance also affected at least five schools, from Early Childhood Education (PAUD) to Primary School (SD) levels. As a result, hundreds of students have been unable to go to school since Monday (23/2/2026).
“Up to today, our children can’t go to school because they can’t pass through. Here at SDN 1 Sekotong Timur, there are about 200 students, but fewer than 70 have come. There are also our residents who go to school outside but can’t pass,” he revealed to detikBali on Wednesday (25/2/2026).
According to Marwan, not only educational activities are affected. The economic activities of residents in five hamlets have also been stalled because access to the main route is paralysed.
“Our residents can’t go to the market anymore; they have to go around through the hills first. There are housewives who sell vegetables by motorbike, but now they can’t pass,” he said.