Military Completes 57 Per Cent of Suspension Bridge Project in Central Aceh
Banda Aceh — The Public Information Officer of Kodam Iskandar Muda, Colonel Mustafa Kamal, has announced that construction of a suspension bridge in Burlah Village, Ketol District, Central Aceh Regency has reached 57 per cent completion.
“The physical construction is being carried out by Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in coordination with relevant agencies as part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure recovery following the natural disaster that struck the region,” Kapendam Iskandar Muda stated in Banda Aceh on Wednesday.
He explained that the 120-metre suspension bridge is being constructed to restore transportation access for communities whose connections were severed due to flash floods and landslides that affected several villages in Ketol District.
The disaster, which occurred in late November 2025, caused damage to inter-regional connecting infrastructure, disrupting the economic and social activities of local residents.
The infrastructure is projected to become a vital inter-village link, particularly supporting agricultural productivity, educational access, healthcare services, and distribution of local agricultural products.
The construction work involves personnel from Koramil 09/Ketol Kodim 0106/Central Aceh, Territorial Infantry Battalion 854/Dharma Kersaka, and staff from the Army Engineer Centre (Pusziad).
“The synergy between units aligns with active community participation, with residents providing mutual assistance through material transportation and light technical work,” Colonel Mustafa Kamal stated.
Current priority works include hanger welding, hanger clamp welding, hanger installation, and floor girder assembly and welding.
“These stages are crucial in suspension bridge construction as they directly affect the strength, balance, and stability of the main structure. All work is being carried out in accordance with technical standards and occupational safety factors to ensure the bridge’s long-term security,” he said.
Abdul Manaf, 52, a resident of Burlah Village, expressed gratitude for the bridge project.
He noted that residents have had to take a lengthy detour to reach neighbouring villages or transport agricultural produce.
“We had to take a considerably longer route that consumed much time. With the suspension bridge, travel will certainly be faster and safer. We are eager for completion as its benefits for us are substantial,” he said.