Five villages in Central Aceh reconnect after Bailey Bridge is completed

Abdul Salam, a community leader from Kampung Linge, expressed gratitude to the Aceh Sumatera disaster recovery and reconstruction acceleration task force (Satgas PRR Pascabencana Sumatera) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) for building the bridge in a short time, allowing people to cross safely again.

‘We extend thousands of thanks for this bridge. We can now cross again,’ Abdul Salam said in a written statement on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

He noted that the bridge is the sole main access for residents from five villages to the regency capital in Takengon. The villages are Kampung Linge, Jamat, Delung Sekinel, Kutereje, and Reje Payung.

‘This is the only crossing we have to go there. There is no other road, it’s blocked. Our hope is that a permanent bridge will be built soon. Because if it rains, it could gradually collapse,’ Abdul Salam said.

Nevertheless, residents said they are greatly helped by the Bailey Bridge. Daily activities have returned to normal, from children going to school to those who are ill and need quick access to health facilities.

‘Praise be to God, in a short time a bridge like this has been built. We are very grateful to the government,’ added Abdul Salam.

Linge Village official Ramidinsah said the Bailey Bridge construction also involved local residents. Before the Bailey Bridge was built, residents relied on an emergency bridge formed through independent mutual aid.

The Bailey Bridge over the Kala Ili River was completed by the TNI on 4 May 2026. Its presence now reconnects five villages that were briefly isolated due to the destruction of the old bridge following last year’s hydrometeorological disaster.

‘We thank all parties who have helped. Access for the community is now reconnected,’ concluded Ramidinsah.