Prabowo relieved as 218 bridges completed, children no longer in danger
Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has expressed relief following the completion of 218 bridges across various regions, allowing children, particularly in remote areas, to cross rivers safely without facing life-threatening dangers.
Prabowo made this statement during the official inauguration of the 218 bridges across multiple locations via video conference from Jakarta on Monday afternoon.
“I now sleep more soundly knowing that children in remote villages no longer need to cross rivers in conditions that endanger their safety. Our children in remote locations no longer need to sit in class in wet clothing, returning home from school soaked,” Prabowo said.
The President stated that the hundreds of bridges were constructed to assist communities in disaster-affected areas and regions requiring improved connectivity and access.
According to Prabowo, the presence of these bridges enables people, including children in remote areas, to avoid crossing rivers with the attendant risks to their safety.
The President also noted that children no longer need to attend school activities in wet clothes after crossing rivers when going to or returning from school.
The Head of State said that bridge construction in remote areas holds significant importance for communities, even where some bridges span only tens of metres.
Prabowo stated that his administration prioritises addressing difficulties faced by people in small and remote areas through basic infrastructure development, such as connecting bridges.
“This is what it means that a suspension bridge in a remote area spanning only a few metres in width and length is, in fact, strategically important to the administration I lead. The interests of the people are what we prioritise above all else,” Prabowo said.
The President also expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) involved in bridge construction through the Bridge Task Force led by Chief of Army Staff General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak.
“Thank you to me as your President, as your Supreme Commander. Thank you, I feel proud and respectful that I lead an armed force so devoted to its people, with such spirit and willingness to sacrifice everything for the interests of the nation and the people we cherish,” the President stated.
The 218 inaugurated bridges comprise 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Armco bridges, and 82 pioneer bridges constructed by the TNI within approximately 2.5 months.
Officials present at the inauguration included Defence Minister Safrie Sjamsoeddin, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Military Commander General TNI Agus Subiyanto, Deputy Military Commander General TNI Tandyo Budi Revita, Chief of Army Staff General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.