Minister of Public Works Assigns PT PP to Strengthen Enang-enang Bridge Structure in Aceh

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assigned Pembangunan Perumahan (Persero) Tbk (PT PP) to carry out strengthening work on the substructure of the Enang-enang Bridge in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, for the safety of crossing residents. ‘PT PP will carry out the strengthening with better handling,’ said Dody Hanggodo in Bener Meriah on Wednesday. The statement was made after Minister Dody inspected the condition of the Enang-enang Bridge. Based on the inspection results, the bridge foundation from the Bireuen direction towards Bener Meriah has tilted and is currently still supported by three temporary steel supports. To improve the safety factor, Minister Dody stated he had instructed the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) together with the Directorate of Bridges to immediately strengthen the bridge’s substructure. The work will be carried out by PT PP using a more permanent strengthening method compared to the temporary supports currently installed. ‘I have spoken with the Head of the Agency and the Director of Bridges. The strengthening under the bridge will be made even stronger. The current arrangement is still temporary,’ he said. Minister Dody also expressed appreciation to the community who worked together to make temporary repairs so that public access could be reopened. He noted that the community’s initiative was a form of concern worthy of appreciation, but the government is obliged to ensure the bridge meets safety aspects according to technical standards. ‘First, I would like to thank Mr Syahrial, a community figure. We from the central government have been assisted. From a technical perspective, this bridge should actually no longer be in use. But because Mr Syahrial and the community worked together to repair it, our task is then to provide maximum support,’ he said. Nevertheless, Minister Dody stressed that public safety remains the top priority. He therefore requested the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) to conduct routine monitoring of the bridge’s condition, especially given the strong river currents that could potentially erode the abutments and foundation during high-intensity rainfall. ‘I ask the PPK to carry out routine controls. If at any time it is deemed dangerous to the public, the use of the bridge must be temporarily halted until conditions are safe again. Repairs will continue to be carried out from below so that the public can continue to cross safely as long as it is feasible,’ Minister Dody emphasised. During the handling period, the Enang-enang Bridge remains operational on a limited basis, only for two-wheeled vehicles and light passenger cars. Freight vehicles and heavy-tonnage vehicles remain prohibited from crossing to maintain the safety of the bridge structure. As a solution, the Ministry of Public Works will also accelerate the development of connectivity networks in the area through the widening of Werlah Road along with the construction of two new bridges which currently serve as alternative routes. Additionally, the construction of a shortcut route is planned, which will later be able to accommodate logistics vehicles with a capacity of up to approximately 30 tonnes.