Garuda Pioneer Bridge Completed, Providing Alternative Route for 100 Residents

After two months of work, the Garuda Perintis Bridge on Jalan Arwana, Saba Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar, Bali, has finally been completed. Although not particularly large, the new bridge serves as an alternative route for 100 residents of Saba Village who live on Jalan Adegan.

“It was inaugurated at 1:00 p.m. WITA. Gianyar Regent I Made Agus Mahayastra, Bali Governor Wayan Koster, and Pangdam IX Udayana Major General TNI Piek Budyakto officiated the opening,” said Saba Village Traditional Leader Nyoman Suardana, met by detikBali near the bridge on Wednesday (29/7/2026).

Suardana explained that the bridge construction was an initiative of Kodam IX Udayana, assisted by the local community. Both parties also provided the building materials and funding. The bridge is approximately 10 metres long and 3 metres wide. It connects Jalan Arwana and Jalan Adegan in Saba Village, serving 100 residents, including some foreign nationals living in villas.

“The road is frequently used. There are 100 residents living there. There are villas occupied by foreigners,” Suardana said.

Before the bridge existed, the only link between the two areas was a road made of compacted earth and foundations. Around ten years ago, that access collapsed after being eroded by strong river currents caused by heavy rain.

“It used to be a regular road like an embankment with foundations. About ten years ago it collapsed, swept away by the overflowing, strong river current due to the rain,” he said.

Piek Budyakto stated that the construction of the Garuda Pioneer Bridge is part of a national strategic programme. The aim is to provide infrastructure to help rural communities overcome accessibility issues.

“One of the national strategic programmes is building bridges for the needs of village communities. This is important for us to help solve the problems faced by the community,” Piek Budyakto said.

Piek added that this new bridge would not be their last contribution. Synergy with regional governments and the community will continue to support development programmes that deliver tangible benefits. “Kodam IX/Udayana supports the programmes of the Bali Provincial Government and the Gianyar Regency Government to solve various issues experienced by the community,” he said.