Prabowo: State Reaches Villages through Bridge Construction

Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed that the construction of hundreds of bridges across various regions demonstrates the state’s presence at the grassroots level of society.

Prabowo stated that the bridge construction projects result from the dedicated work of the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, particularly the Bridge Task Force, which has been assigned to accelerate the development of connecting infrastructure across different regions.

“This is clear evidence once again that the central government, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, is present,” Prabowo said during a video conference from Jakarta on Monday.

The President explained that the government specifically formed the task force and assigned General Maruli Simanjuntak, Chief of Staff of the Army, to directly oversee bridge construction projects across various regions.

According to Prabowo, a four-star general is personally leading the construction of bridges, both large and small structures in villages.

Prabowo emphasised that the government will not allow citizens to face difficulties without state presence.

The President considers infrastructure development, such as bridges, to be crucial in ensuring continued access for the public.

“The Government of the Republic of Indonesia will not allow its people to suffer and face hardship,” Prabowo insisted.

The President has just inaugurated 218 bridges constructed across various regions, including disaster-affected areas such as Aceh, whilst also praising the Indonesian National Army (TNI) for rapid completion of the projects.

During a video conference from Jakarta on Monday, Prabowo stated that the inauguration comprised 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Armco bridges, and 82 pioneer bridges completed in approximately 2.5 months.

“By invoking Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, 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 as quoted in the livestream on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Monday afternoon.

The President noted that the completion of hundreds of bridges demonstrates the determination of TNI personnel and officials in the regions to assist communities affected by disasters and areas requiring connecting access.