Prabowo Affirms Suspension Bridge Construction for Public Interest
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that suspension bridge construction is a strategic priority despite some believing such projects lack significance. Prabowo has reaffirmed that these bridges address the difficulties faced by people in remote areas.
He made these remarks whilst inaugurating 218 bridges across all regions of Indonesia, including remote areas, at a virtual ceremony on Monday 9 March 2026. Prabowo characterised those opposing the project as “anomalies” who prefer constructing skyscrapers and monuments instead.
“Perhaps some people view suspension bridges spanning merely tens of metres as something not strategic,” Prabowo said.
“There are those who want to build grand monuments, construct skyscrapers, erect luxurious buildings,” he added.
Prabowo expressed relief at the achievement, noting that village children no longer struggle to reach school. He stated that he now sleeps more peacefully knowing that children in remote villages need no longer cross rivers at risk to their safety.
“Now I sleep more easily because children in remote villages no longer need to cross rivers facing danger to their safety. Our children in remote places no longer need to sit in class with wet clothes or return home with wet clothes,” he said.
Prabowo emphasised that whilst these bridges in remote areas are modest in size, they hold considerable strategic importance for his administration. He characterised infrastructure development as demonstrating the government’s commitment to public interests.
“My fellow citizens, this is what it means: suspension bridges in remote areas, spanning only metres in width and length, are indeed strategic for the government I lead. That public interest is what we prioritise most,” he stated.
The 218 inaugurated bridges consist of 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Aramco bridges, and 82 pioneer bridges. Prabowo described the inauguration of these hundreds of bridges, completed over 2.5 months, as an impressive achievement.
According to him, the accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of TNI soldiers and field personnel in both disaster-affected regions and other areas desperately needing bridge infrastructure to support community activities.
“Therefore, today’s ceremony, inaugurating 218 bridges completed within 2.5 months, represents an achievement that I consider extraordinary. This achievement demonstrates sincere commitment from all TNI soldiers and all personnel in disaster-affected areas and other regions that greatly require these bridges,” he concluded.