Khofifah: Garuda Pioneer Bridge Smooths Mobility for Nganjuk Residents

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated that the Garuda pioneer bridge in Genjeng Village, Loceret District, Nganjuk Regency, will facilitate access and smooth mobility for rural communities. The bridge is considered strategic as it connects 40 villages in Pace and Loceret districts. It measures 18 metres in length and 1.8 metres in width, with a maximum load capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a speed limit of 10 kilometres per hour for crossing vehicles. “These bridges help open access between hamlets and villages, improve safety, and make it easier for people to reach schools, health facilities, places of worship, and economic activity centres,” Governor Khofifah said in Nganjuk on Thursday. Speaking during the virtual inauguration of 3,395 Garuda pioneer bridges and 3,000 clean water sources by President Prabowo Subianto, Khofifah said the infrastructure development not only strengthens connectivity but also has the potential to boost the economic growth of village communities. “When access between regions is increasingly open, community mobility becomes easier and economic activity also moves. This will certainly leverage the community’s economy, especially in rural and remote areas,” she said. Khofifah revealed that 270 Garuda pioneer bridges have been built in East Java. The development aligns with efforts to strengthen development from the village level and expand community access to basic infrastructure. In addition to the bridges, Khofifah appreciated the construction of 3,000 clean water sources by the Indonesian Army, 81 of which have been built in East Java. The infrastructure is deemed important to meet community needs, especially entering the dry season which has the potential to cause drought in several areas. Khofifah expressed hope that the clean water sources would not only be used for daily needs but could also support irrigation of surrounding rice fields, thereby strengthening food security. President Prabowo Subianto expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police for their efforts in building basic infrastructure for the people. He noted that the bridges shorten travel distances for residents, including students who previously had to take long detours to reach school. “I express my gratitude and appreciation for the contributions and hard work of the TNI-Polri, which are dedicated to the people, thus facilitating mobility and access in rural and remote areas of Indonesia,” Prabowo asserted. He assessed that the massive construction of bridges and clean water sources is a form of mutual cooperation and an effort to strengthen national self-reliance to improve people’s welfare.