Prabowo Inaugurates 218 Bridges Nationwide; Rural Children No Longer Risk Lives Crossing to School
President Prabowo Subianto symbolically inaugurated the construction of 218 bridges across all regions of Indonesia on Monday, 9 March 2026. The bridges were built across the country, including in post-disaster areas of West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh.
“This afternoon, Monday, 9 March 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby inaugurate 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Armco bridges, and 82 pioneer bridges,” Prabowo stated online on Monday (9/3).
The Head of State assessed that the construction of 218 bridges across Indonesia represents a significant performance achievement, particularly given the relatively short construction timeframe of 2.5 months.
According to Prabowo, this demonstrates the commitment of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel and regional officials to supporting the interests of the people. The construction effort was led by TNI Army Commander General Maruli Simanjuntak, who was appointed as Commander of the Bridge Construction and Repair Acceleration Task Force.
“This is proof that once again, the central government, the government of the Republic of Indonesia, is present. Present even at the smallest level—in villages, hamlets, and settlements. The government of the Republic of Indonesia will not allow its people to suffer and struggle,” said Prabowo.
Due to the Task Force’s work, Prabowo acknowledged that he could now sleep somewhat more soundly. His anxiety had diminished because children in remote villages no longer had to risk their lives crossing rivers to attend school.
“Children in remote villages no longer need to cross rivers in dangerous conditions that threaten their safety. Our children in isolated areas no longer need to sit in class in wet clothing or return from school soaked,” he stated.
The Head of State also noted that these bridges, which span distances of less than hundreds of metres in each region, remain regarded as strategic infrastructure development. Such bridges support and facilitate the mobility of people in regional areas.
“Perhaps some may view a suspension bridge spanning dozens or perhaps tens of metres as something not strategic. No, the government I lead is proud that we answer the difficulties of our smallest people, our most distant people, our most remote people,” Prabowo concluded.