PermataBank Syariah's Zakat Unit and Sinergi Foundation Build Suspension Bridge for Cianjur Residents
CIANJUR — For communities whose road access is blocked by rivers, the only options to continue their daily activities are using rafts or taking lengthy detours. Both choices carry their own risks. Residents of Karyabakti Village and Muaracikadu Village in Cianjur Regency know these risks all too well.
For years, they had dreamed of a bridge that would connect them and speed up access. The absence of a bridge had created considerable dangers, including schoolchildren falling into the river on their way to school and delays in medical treatment for pregnant women. However, a collaboration between Sinergi Foundation and the Zakat and Charitable Funds Management Unit (UPZDK) of PermataBank Syariah has turned their dream into reality.
After a 120-day construction process, the Cibaregbeng Suspension Bridge now spans the river connecting the two villages. The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday (15 February 2026), bringing together all stakeholders involved throughout the construction process, including community members who actively participated at every stage.
The inauguration also served as the moment of formal handover of the bridge to the local residents, marking the point at which the suspension bridge could be fully utilised by the community. Joy and celebration were clearly visible throughout the event, reflecting the happiness felt by residents of both villages.
Ahmad Jaelani, a community leader from Kampung Sikluk in Muaracikadu Village, explained that before the bridge existed, residents used rafts to cross the river. Incidents of schoolchildren falling into the water or pregnant women’s journeys to medical care being delayed due to difficult access had occurred on more than one or two occasions.
“We were very worried, especially when the water rose or flooded — we felt completely isolated here. All the facilities in our village depend on the neighbouring village of Karyabakti, such as schools, the community health centre, government administration, the economy, and so on,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad also recounted the construction process of the suspension bridge. He explained that the building period coincided with the rice harvest season, meaning the community had to divide their time between harvesting rice and working on the bridge.
Sinergi Foundation and Sasaka Indonesia, as the implementing partners, encouraged community participation in the bridge’s construction. This system was applied to foster a sense of ownership over the infrastructure whilst also serving as a means of community empowerment.
Ahmad conveyed gratitude and prayers on behalf of his village residents. “May all parties and individuals who contributed to the construction of this bridge bear witness to this act of care and receive the reward of good deeds before Allah, which God willing will lead them to His paradise,” Ahmad said.
Awaludin Gumbira, Deputy Chairman of UPZDK PermataBank Syariah, also expressed gratitude for the completion of the Cibaregbeng Suspension Bridge. He hoped the bridge would serve as a solution to various community problems.
“We hope it will not only be a solution but also help to revive the potential that exists in these two villages,” he said.
Awaludin also praised the exemplary collaboration demonstrated by Sinergi Foundation and Sasaka Indonesia as the implementing partners. The partnership successfully transformed funds from corporate zakat and donor contributions to UPZDK PermataBank Syariah into a safe bridge delivering numerous benefits.
Waeli Mohdan, Director of Sinergi Amil Zakat at Sinergi Foundation, expressed his hope that the bridge would open up easier access to education, economic activity, social services, and more.
“I entrust the care of this bridge to the surrounding community — please maintain it well,” he urged.