Government agrees to accelerate rehabilitation in Bener Meriah

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has stated that the government, together with the community, has agreed on steps to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure following a hydrometeorological disaster in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh. “We have deliberated and listened to aspirations, and essentially an agreement has been reached,” Tito said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. The agreement was reached during a Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Post-Hydrometeorological Disaster Recovery at the Bener Meriah Regent’s Hall in Aceh on Tuesday. During the event, the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction also handed over a water tanker vehicle. Tito explained that the meeting was attended by central and regional government officials, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and community leaders. All parties agreed on a number of priority handling measures based on the community’s aspirations. Consequently, the government will strengthen the structure of the Enang-Enang Bridge so that it can continue to function with a better level of safety. “Specifically, this Enang-Enang Bridge has a long historical value, so it will remain in use, but the Public Works Office will strengthen its structure,” Tito said. During the bridge repair process, the government will prepare an alternative route through Werlah. That road will be repaired, from widening to improving the quality of its surface. In addition, the government and the community also agreed on the construction of a permanent bridge planned to become an icon of the Gayo region. “And it will be a source of pride in the Land of Gayo,” Tito said.