Government to Strengthen Enang-Enang Bridge, Build New Iconic Structure in Bener Meriah

The government is taking immediate steps to reinforce the Enang-Enang Bridge in Aru Cincin, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, following community requests to maintain the vital access point. The bridge serves as a crucial link for residents, supporting economic activity, education, and daily mobility.

Chairman of the Task Force, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, stated that the government has agreed on three main measures to address the situation. The first involves widening the alternative road at Simpang Werlah. The second is the reinforcement of the Enang-Enang Bridge structure to allow limited functionality during the transition period. The third is the construction of a new permanent bridge as a long-term solution.

“We have reached an agreement. The Werlah alternative road will be widened and repaired by the Public Works Office. The permanent bridge will still be built by the Ministry of Public Works because it is important for the people of Tanah Gayo. The Enang-Enang Bridge will remain functional but will be reinforced and its technical structure studied further by the Public Works Office. I will continue to monitor its progress,” Tito said in a written statement on Tuesday.

Tito explained that the decision to keep the Enang-Enang Bridge operational was based on real needs on the ground. Residents argued that using alternative routes would require travelling much longer distances and incur higher fuel costs. However, he emphasised that safety remains the top priority, and heavy-tonnage vehicles will be temporarily prohibited from crossing until the technical assessment is complete.

Zulkarnaini, Acting Head of the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), confirmed that reinforcement work will use cyclopean concrete on the bridge’s foundation and abutments. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works is finalising the design for the new permanent bridge, which will span approximately 300 metres and is intended to become a new landmark for the Tanah Gayo region. Physical construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, following the completion of all technical studies throughout 2026.