Indonesian Military Builds Bailey Bridge in Bener Meriah to Accelerate Disaster Recovery
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) — Indonesian military (TNI) soldiers deployed as part of the Natural Disaster Response Task Force are building a bailey bridge in Karang Rejo village, Bukit subdistrict, Bener Meriah regency, Aceh province, to accelerate post-disaster recovery.
Commander of Military District Command (Kodim) 0119/Bener Meriah, Infantry Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Fauzi, said in a statement received in Banda Aceh on Sunday that the bailey bridge construction represents a tangible expression of the military’s concern for the hardships faced by the public, particularly in post-disaster conditions.
“The construction of the bailey bridge is a priority to support residents’ mobility. The hydrometeorological disaster that occurred in late November 2025 severed public transport access. The return of the bridge is expected to reopen inter-regional access in the aftermath of the disaster,” he said.
Soldiers involved in the bridge construction include personnel from Military District Command (Kodim) 0119/Bener Meriah, Construction Engineer Battalion 13/Karya Etmaka, and Combat Engineer Detachment 3/Agni Tirta Dharma.
“Despite observing Ramadan, the soldiers continue to demonstrate high dedication and loyalty in carrying out the task of building the bridge,” Ahmad Fauzi said.
The work includes preparing the bridge foundations, assembling the steel framework, and installing and reinforcing the structure. All work is carried out meticulously and with great care to ensure the construction quality is maintained and safe for future use.
“This bailey bridge is expected to serve as an effective temporary solution until the construction of a permanent bridge can be realised by the relevant agencies. The presence of this bailey bridge can restore the community’s post-disaster economic activity,” he said.
According to him, the disaster damaged the old bridge, forcing residents to take lengthy detours to reach markets, schools and other public facilities.
“We are greatly helped by the construction of this bridge. Until now, we have struggled to transport our garden produce and carry out other activities because we had to take a long alternative route, adding to both costs and travel time,” he said.
He said the bridge also serves as a powerful symbol of the synergy between the military and the community in facing and recovering from the impact of hydrometeorological disasters in Bener Meriah regency.
“We hope the construction of the bailey bridge in Karang Rejo village will be completed soon and can be utilised by residents to facilitate mobility and accelerate post-disaster economic recovery,” said Suryadi.