Garuda Bridge Officially Opens, Connecting Lokapaksa and Ringdikit Villages in Bali
The Garuda Bridge, spanning 60 metres, has officially opened to connect Lokapaksa Village and Ringdikit Village in Seririt District, Buleleng Regency, Bali. The bridge was inaugurated by Pangdam IX/Udayana, Major General TNI Piek Budyakto, at Banjar Dinas Bukit Sakti, Lokapaksa Village, on Thursday. The inauguration was part of a national agenda, with President Prabowo Subianto witnessing a report on the completion of 3,395 bridges built by the TNI-Polri, alongside 3,000 clean water sources provided by the Indonesian Army.
During the ceremony, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the TNI and Polri personnel who completed the programme. He stated that the infrastructure development represents a form of mutual cooperation between the community, the TNI, and the Polri to deliver direct benefits to the people. Following a video conference with the President, the Army Chief of Staff, and the National Police Chief, Pangdam IX/Udayana officially inaugurated the Garuda Bridge together with the Bali Province Forkopimda, Buleleng Regency Forkopimda, Kodam IX/Udayana ranks, and community leaders. The inauguration was marked by the signing of an inscription by the Pangdam, symbolising the completion of construction and the start of its use for the residents of Lokapaksa and Ringdikit Villages.
Pangdam IX/Udayana, Major General TNI Piek Budyakto, stated that the construction of the Garuda Bridge is part of the TNI’s commitment to helping overcome community difficulties through tangible work. He urged the public to jointly maintain and care for the bridge, and to report any damage immediately for follow-up. He added that infrastructure development is not only about physical construction; the presence of the Garuda Bridge is expected to strengthen the togetherness between the TNI, local government, and the community in improving welfare.
Kapendam IX/Udayana, Colonel Inf Amrizal Nasution, added that the Garuda Bridge serves as a vital link for community activities in the two villages. With easier access, he hopes that residents’ mobility will become smoother, thereby boosting economic, educational, and social activities. ‘This Garuda Bridge is not just a physical connecting facility, but also a bridge for community activities and hopes,’ he said. He emphasised that the bridge’s construction demonstrates the strong synergy between the TNI, local government, and the community in providing solutions for residents’ needs. The inauguration concluded with the distribution of basic food packages by the Pangdam to the local community.