Garuda Bridge construction to strengthen community connectivity, says Military Commander

Timika (ANTARA) - Major General TNI Febriel Buyung Sikumbang, Commander of the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Pangdam), has stated that the construction of the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge within his command’s jurisdiction is expected to open up isolated areas and strengthen community connectivity in the region. Speaking in Timika on Saturday, Major General Febriel said the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge construction is part of a bridge-building programme entrusted by the central government to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) across various regions in Indonesia. “The presence of this bridge can end isolation and facilitate access connecting one area to another, smooth community mobility, strengthen connectivity between villages and districts, and drive economic growth,” said Pangdam Febriel during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge on Jalan Nangka, Pasar Sentral Village, Timika City, Mimika Regency, Central Papua. The bridge construction is also a flagship programme of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto nationwide, in which the TNI has been given the responsibility to carry out the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge development activities. He noted that the areas under the responsibility of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih for implementing the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge construction cover Papua Province, Central Papua Province, and Highland Papua Province. A total of 70 Garuda Merah-Putih bridge points will be built across the three provinces. For the Mimika area, seven bridges will be constructed, spread across several points in the region. “Two points have already been completed. There are three types of bridges: concrete bridges, Aramco bridges, and suspension bridges. The construction will be adapted to the conditions of the river or water flow at each respective point,” he explained. The bridge construction also represents the commitment of the Indonesian Army, particularly Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, to support regional development and improve welfare in the Papua region. The Pangdam said a bridge is not only a physical connecting facility but also a symbol of unity, togetherness, and hope for a better future. The community was urged to support the entire construction process so that it runs smoothly, on time, and provides optimal benefits for current and future generations. He expressed appreciation to the Mimika Government, stakeholders, and the community who have provided full support for the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge construction. “Good synergy between the government, the TNI, and the community is the main capital in realising sustainable development,” he said. The Pangdam advised all personnel involved in the construction to work with full responsibility, prioritise occupational safety factors, maintain the quality of construction results, and always uphold the spirit of service to the community. Assistant I for Government and People’s Welfare of the Mimika Regency Regional Secretariat, Ananias Faot, said the existence of infrastructure is the artery connecting the centres of community activity, smoothing population mobility, strengthening economic networks, and opening wider growth opportunities. “Therefore, every public facility construction must be viewed as a long-term investment that will have a positive impact for future generations. The construction of the Garuda Merah-Putih bridge, marked today by the groundbreaking, holds strategic significance for the region’s progress,” he said. The Mimika Government expressed its highest appreciation to Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih and his ranks for demonstrating a real commitment to supporting regional development. He explained that the TNI’s presence not only safeguards state sovereignty and security stability but also delivers various programmes that provide direct benefits to the community’s life.