Indonesian Military Builds Garuda Pioneer Bridge to End Isolation in Central Aceh

This construction is not merely about opening a road, but a tangible effort by the TNI to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and improve community welfare, particularly for residents of Reje Payung Village and Jamat Village, home to more than 700 souls.

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - TNI soldiers are building the Garuda Pioneer Bridge in Reje Payung Village, Linge Subdistrict, Central Aceh Regency, to break isolation and facilitate transportation access, thereby helping to stimulate the economy of residents in remote areas.

“This construction is not just about opening a road, but a real effort by the TNI to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and enhance community welfare, especially for the residents of Reje Payung Village and Jamat Village, which are inhabited by more than 700 people,” said the Commander of the 0106/Central Aceh Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Raden Herman Sasmita, in a statement received in Banda Aceh on Saturday.

Lieutenant Colonel Raden stated that the bridge construction progress has shown a positive trend since it began on 6 April 2026. The physical work achievement has reached 7.07 per cent.

The Commander explained that the construction has been completed for site clearing and installation of the bridge’s main cables. Then, the excavation of foundation holes for abutments A1 and B1 is at the stage of pouring the foundation floor.

After the foundation is completed, he continued, the next stages will focus on comprehensively pouring the abutments, installing the pylons, and assembling the bridge framework.

“The Garuda Pioneer Bridge is designed with a length of 110 metres and a width of 1.2 metres. With a maximum tonnage capacity of 1 tonne, this bridge spans a 90-metre-wide river with fluctuating water discharge characteristics,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Raden added that the success of this project is the result of solid collaboration between combined personnel consisting of five members from Koramil 05/Linge, 25 personnel from Yon TP 854/DK, one assisting personnel from Zidam Iskandar Muda, as well as full support from the local community and expert craftsmen.

“Although the weather at the site is often cloudy in the afternoon, the work situation remains safe and conducive. The presence of this bridge is expected to become a permanent solution to the access limitations that have long hindered the mobility and economic activities of the residents,” said Lieutenant Colonel Raden Herman Sasmita.