Prabowo Inaugurates 218 Bridges Across Indonesia, Built in Just 2.5 Months
Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 218 bridges across Indonesia virtually on Monday, 9 February 2026. The bridges were constructed in 2.5 months under the coordination of the Bridge Task Force, headed by General Maruli Simanjuntak of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), following natural disasters in several regions.
In his remarks, Prabowo stated that Indonesia is located in a region prone to natural disasters. Geographically, Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, characterised by numerous active volcanoes.
“This makes our country genuinely rich with many important minerals and gives our land fertility, but over time we must remain prepared to face disasters,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo noted that disasters had occurred in several areas including North Sumatra, Aceh, West Sumatra, South Kalimantan, and various locations in Java. However, all parties were able to manage the situation and work together to respond quickly.
He expressed particular gratitude to the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, including the Bridge Task Force, for successfully inaugurating these 218 bridges.
“I express gratitude on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, as president of the Republic of Indonesia and as an individual. I have formed this task force and assigned the Chief of Staff of the Army to lead directly. A four-star general leads bridge construction, not only large bridges but also small ones,” he said.
“This demonstrates once again that the central government, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, is present even at the smallest level,” he added.
On the occasion, Prabowo also requested that Task Force Chairman Maruli Simanjuntak submit the names of personnel from all units who had made contributions.
“I ask the Task Force chairman to submit to me the names of all personnel from all units who have contributed their labour, expertise and effort to complete this substantial task,” he said.
Moreover, Prabowo expressed relief that many children in remote areas would no longer struggle to cross rivers.