Muara Gembong Bridge Heavily Patched and Near Collapse: A Call for Assistance

A fragile and heavily patched bridge over the Citarum River in Muara Gembong, Bekasi Regency, stands as a silent witness to the daily struggles of residents in Pantai Sederhana and Pantai Mekar villages. Children use the nearly ten-year-old structure to attend school, attend religious classes, and play, while locals rely on it daily for their livelihoods. Beneath the bridge, fishing boats and gear rest, waiting for fishermen to return to sea.

Constructed from bamboo and various types of wood, the bridge’s curved body and steep ends require extreme caution to avoid slipping into the water. Despite the danger, the residents of these two villages have no alternative, as the bridge serves as the only access route to schools, community health centres (Puskesmas), and fish auction sites. According to Taryono, chairman of the Mina Baronang Joint Business Group (KUB), the bridge was originally built through a local community initiative.

‘If it is not repaired and eventually collapses, what will be left? Children might have to use assembled styrofoam wrapped in nets to cross. My wife has even fallen into the river before,’ Taryton told the berbuatbaik.id team. The bridge, which is 2 metres wide and stands 4 metres above the water level, is routinely refurbished by locals every two years using limited funds and materials to ensure it remains functional. Consequently, the structure remains makeshift, fragile, and at constant risk of collapse.

The community of Muara Gembong is now calling for public support to construct a more robust, dignified, and safe bridge to ensure that the vital access for Pantai Sederhana and Pantai Mekar villages is not lost.