North Sumatra Governor: Aek Sipange Bridge in Tapsel a testament to the government's presence
Medan, Indonesia — ANTARA
North Sumatra Governor (Sumut) Bobby Nasution said the Aek Sipange Bridge in Si Golang village, South Tapanuli Regency (Tapsel), North Sumatra, is evidence of the government’s presence.
“This bridge is not merely an infrastructure connector, but a symbol of the provincial government’s presence to accelerate development in Tapsel,” Nasution said after inaugurating the Aek Sipange Bridge in Si Golang village, Aek Bilah sub-district, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, on Thursday.
The governor noted that the 50-metre-long bridge would connect two districts in North Sumatra, namely South Tapanuli and Padang Lawas Utara.
“Alhamdulillah, in this holy month of Ramadan, we can stand on the Aek Sipange Bridge, which has been completed. Hopefully this bridge will bring goodness to the people of South Tapanuli,” he said.
He explained that the construction of the bridge had become a priority because it serves as the main access to the interior.
The South Tapanuli Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) noted that Aek Bilah is one of the districts affected by the disaster, though not as severely as eleven other districts in South Tapanuli by the end of November 2025.
“This bridge is very important for opening access for materials and residents. After the bridge is completed, development into deeper areas can continue,” Nasution said.
The governor highlighted the condition of roads leading to several sub-districts in South Tapanuli that remain damaged and require serious attention.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government, he said, has prepared plans to repair the infrastructure.
“We have seen the road conditions firsthand. The plans exist, and we want the development to be carried out soon,” Nasution said.
The Regent of South Tapanuli, Gus Irawan Pasaribu, said the bridge is the answer to a long-standing problem in which residents of Tapsel have had to risk their lives crossing the river.
He revealed that the bridge’s construction began following a harrowing tragedy when a family was swept away as they attempted to cross the river in a car.
“About two Lebaran celebrations ago, a family tried to cross as the river rose. Their car was swept away and eight people in the family died,” he said.
The regent said the incident immediately drew the attention of North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, who subsequently allocated funds for the bridge’s construction.
“The governor heard about the incident and allocated funds and programmed the construction of this bridge. Today the bridge has been completed and was inaugurated,” he said.
He described the Aek Sipange Bridge project as monumental because it opens access for people in several sub-districts and simultaneously stimulates the regional economy.
“This bridge will certainly be very beneficial for the people, particularly in the Aek Bilah sub-district and surrounding areas. It will boost the economy and welfare of the people,” Gus Irawan said.