Garuda Bridge Program links 7,371 villages across Indonesia: Gov't
Kurnia Ramadhana, Deputy III for Partnerships and Media Relations at Bakom, said on Wednesday that the Garuda Bridge Program had completed bridge construction at 1,416 locations, or 49.9 percent of its target of 2,838 bridges, as of July 28, 2026.
“To date, the Garuda Bridge Program has connected around 7,371 villages, benefiting a population of 4,252,500 people,” Kurnia said at a press conference.
He added that the program had also improved access to 8,505 schools and 4,250 health facilities, while connecting 4,360 economic facilities, including markets.
“On average, travel time has been reduced by 45 to 50 minutes in areas where bridges have been completed,” he said.
Kurnia said the Bridge Repair Acceleration Task Force, led by Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, is targeting not only disaster-affected areas such as Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, but also regions facing infrastructure gaps that limit public mobility.
The latest data shows that the 1,416 completed bridges consist of 80 Bailey bridges, 524 Armco bridges, 459 concrete bridges, and 353 pioneer bridges.
According to Kurnia, the bridge construction has improved access to schools by eliminating the need for children to cross rivers or use unsafe crossings, reducing accident risks and improving mobility for teachers and students, especially during the rainy season.
The bridges have also improved access for emergency services to previously isolated villages and enabled faster transportation of agricultural products to markets.
“Access to government services has also improved, with residents now able to reach village offices, sub-district offices, and public service centers more easily, while government logistics distribution and emergency aid can be delivered faster to remote areas,” Kurnia said.
Related news: Village co-ops to establish supply chain down to villages: Prabowo
Related news: Prabowo eyes Indonesia’s economic revival starting from villages
Related news: Indonesian govt targets villages to boost creative economy
Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari