Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge Becomes Aceh Tamiang's New Icon, Easing Citizen Access

The Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge, spanning 240 metres across the Tamiang River, has become one of Indonesia’s longest pioneer suspension bridges and a new landmark for Aceh Tamiang Regency.

The structure connects Bandar Mahligai and Sekerak Kiri villages in Sekerak District, which have faced transportation limitations for decades.

Built in three months by a joint contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as a rapid response to the hydro-meteorological disasters affecting Aceh in November 2025, the bridge has transformed local mobility. Previously, residents had to cross the river by wooden boat or take a two-hour detour via Karang Baru and Sungai Liput. Now, travel between villages takes just five minutes.

“This bridge had no access for decades. Following community requests after Aceh’s floods, we constructed it. At 240 metres, it is now Indonesia’s longest suspension bridge,” he stated in a press release on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Ali explained that the 1.2-metre-wide bridge, with a load capacity of 400 kilograms, was built to accelerate mobility for residents of the two villages separated by the Tamiang River.

Beyond vital economic and educational access, the Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge is also emerging as a new tourist destination in Aceh Tamiang.

For students, the bridge offers the safety and convenience they long awaited. A local student remarked, “Going to school is now much easier. No need to take a boat anymore—just walk across the bridge.” She expressed gratitude to the TNI and government for constructing the bridge.