Piano Bridge in Serang to Be Repaired, Completion Targeted for November 2026

A wooden bridge in Mekarsari Village, Carenang District, Serang Regency, which has fallen into disrepair and frequently caused accidents, is to be rebuilt. The Banten Provincial Government stated it will replace the bridge to make it safer for passage. The bridge was originally built around 25 years ago through community self-help efforts. Locals call it the ‘Piano Bridge’ because the wooden beams forming its deck produce a loud, noisy sound whenever vehicles cross. Currently, many of the wooden beams are riddled with holes and the arrangement has become uneven, with gaps widening and causing a loud scraping noise when vehicles pass. ‘The old bridge has claimed many victims. Motorcycles have fallen off, and cars often get stuck, especially during the rainy season,’ said Mekarsari Village resident Gulamudin on Tuesday (21/7/2026). Gulamudin noted that since the bridge was first built, it had never been repaired until now. ‘Initially, when there was a promise from the Governor (Andra Soni) to fix it, the community here was apathetic. They were indifferent because they had been promised too many times. But this time it was different. After the promise and the site inspection, repairs began not long after,’ he said. Banten Governor Andra Soni stated that the bridge construction is a response to the community’s aspirations. The bridge serves as a vital access point for local residents despite its severely damaged condition. Andra said the Banten Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) is currently building a new bridge, with construction targeted for completion in November 2026. ‘While the old bridge was only about 2.5 metres wide, in a makeshift condition, and could only be used by one car, this new bridge is designed with a width of 5 metres and a span of up to 60 metres so it can be used by two cars,’ he said. Andra Soni added that the bridge construction is expected to enhance economic activity and open up accessibility for the community in education, health, the economy, and agriculture. For Andra, road and bridge infrastructure development is a sustainable effort to build hope for a better future for the community.