Prabowo Prioritises Suspension Bridge Construction Over Luxury Buildings

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed that the construction of suspension bridges across various regions is being undertaken to address difficulties faced by communities, particularly residents living in remote areas.

Speaking in a video conference from Jakarta on Monday, Prabowo noted that the development of bridges spanning only tens of metres is often perceived as strategically insignificant by some parties.

However, the government views this simple infrastructure as critically important because it directly affects the safety and daily activities of the population.

“There are those who wish to build grand monuments, construct skyscrapers, and erect luxury buildings. No, the government I lead takes pride in addressing the difficulties of our smallest people, our most distant people, our most isolated people,” Prabowo stated during a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Monday afternoon.

He emphasised that the suspension bridge construction aims to mitigate various risks faced by communities when crossing rivers, including children travelling to school.

Prior to the bridges’ construction, Prabowo explained, many children in remote villages had to cross rivers in dangerous conditions, often arriving at school with wet clothing.

According to Prabowo, despite their small and simple size, suspension bridges hold strategic value for the government because they directly address community needs.

He reaffirmed that the government will continue to prioritise development that delivers tangible benefits to the population, particularly in areas that have long been difficult to reach.

“This is what it means that a suspension bridge in a remote area, measuring only several metres in width and length, is actually strategic for the government I lead. The interests of the people are our highest priority,” he added.