PermataBank Syariah UPZDK and Sinergi Foundation Build Bridge, Connecting Two Villages in Cianjur
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CIA JUR - Collaboration for good can be a solution to overcome various problems that hinder people. From health issues, education, to severed access routes. This was proven through the collaboration between the Zakat and Charitable Funds Management Unit (UPZDK) of PermataBank Syariah and the Sinergi Foundation.
The benefits of this collaboration are realized in the form of a suspension bridge connecting access to Cisarakan Village, Gelarpawitan Village, and Cipetir Village, Cidaun Village, in Cianjur Regency. The Cisarakan suspension bridge spans approximately 40 meters above a valley and river below. The inauguration of this bridge was held on Monday (February 16, 2026).
According to local residents, the two villages have been separated for more than five years without adequate access. The bridge they used to have was washed away, cutting off access. For the past five years, residents have only been able to cross using a temporary bridge that is far from adequate.
There have been countless accidents on this bridge. The slippery condition of the bridge has caused several vehicles or even pedestrians to slip. In fact, the access route is quite vital because it is often used by children who have to cross the village to go to school. This is what then became a consideration for the construction of a proper bridge for the residents of the two villages.
UPZDK PermataBank Syariah is committed to channeling funds in the form of corporate zakat and donor contributions as capital for the construction of the bridge. Meanwhile, the construction phase was carried out and supervised by the Sinergi Foundation through Sasaka Indonesia. The community was also involved as a form of empowerment and to foster a sense of ownership of the bridge.
The construction process itself took approximately 135 days starting in early October 2025. This period has included the process from preparation, purchasing the necessary tools and materials, fabrication, to finishing. With the structure and materials used in its construction, the Cisarakan Suspension Bridge is estimated to last for 25-30 years.
The presence of this new bridge is very good news for residents in both villages. This is evident from the statement of the Head of Gelarpawitan Village, Heri Suwanto, who expressed his gratitude when giving a speech at the inauguration ceremony.
“I, representing the community from both villages, would like to express my deepest gratitude to UPZDK PermataBank Syariah and the Sinergi Foundation for realizing our hopes,” he said.
He recounted that the incident of the bridge being washed away coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic. This incident made Cisarakan Village temporarily isolated with very limited basic necessities. At that time, residents survived by relying on and helping each other.
“Hopefully, this bridge can be useful in making it easy and comfortable for schoolchildren to cross, improving the economy, health, and other areas.”
He also hopes that this bridge will become a continuous field of merit for all stakeholders involved, namely UPZDK PermataBank Syariah, Sasaka Indonesia, and the Sinergi Foundation.
The Deputy Chairman of UPZDK PermataBank Syariah, Awaludin Gumbira, expressed his gratitude for the completion of the construction of the Cisarakan Suspension Bridge. He stated that this is the longest bridge resulting from the collaboration between UPZDK PermataBank Syariah and the Sinergi Foundation.
He also hopes that this bridge can be a solution for various community problems. “Hopefully, it will not only be a solution, but also be able to improve the potential in these two villages,” said Awaludin.