Ministry of Public Works Assists Penajam in Building Bridge Connecting to IKN Area

Penajam Paser Utara (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is assisting Penajam Paser Utara Regency in East Kalimantan Province with the construction of the Riko River Bridge infrastructure, which connects to the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area located in part of the regency, namely Sepaku Subdistrict.

“The Ministry of PU is willing to help fund the construction of the Riko River Bridge,” said the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR) of East Kalimantan Province, Aji Muhammad Fitra Firnanda, in Samarinda on Thursday, when asked about the continuity of infrastructure development connecting to the IKN area in Penajam.

The Penajam Paser Utara Regency Government is also preparing initial funds as a form of commitment and initial support for the Riko River Bridge construction project in Riko Ward, Penajam Subdistrict.

The Riko River Bridge is designed with a main span of 500 metres, he explained, and approach bridges of approximately one kilometre will also be built due to the geographical conditions dominated by swampy areas.

The Riko River Bridge will further strengthen inter-regional connectivity, leading to smoother access to IKN, accelerated economic growth, increased investment, and new business opportunities for residents in the buffer areas.

The Riko River Bridge is one of the infrastructures supporting the transformation of Penajam Paser Utara Regency, said Muhammad Fitra Firnanda, as a strategic area around IKN that can strengthen East Kalimantan as a new economic growth centre in Indonesia.

The Riko River Bridge serves as an access road approaching the Balang Island Bridge to IKN, passing through Pantai Lango Ward, Gersik, Jenebora, Buluminung, up to Penajam Ward in Penajam Paser Utara Regency.

The existence of the Riko River Bridge is very important in supporting community mobility and logistics distribution; without adequate infrastructure, the region’s economic potential could be suboptimal and even at risk of being enjoyed by other areas around IKN.

IKN is targeted for completion in 2028, and economic activities in buffer areas such as Penajam Paser Utara Regency are predicted to experience significant increases, so infrastructure readiness is very important and strategic in supporting the IKN area, according to Mudyat Noor.