PRR Task Force Accelerates Pilot Bridge Construction to Restore Connectivity

The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) in the disaster-hit Sumatra region continues to accelerate the construction of pilot bridges in three provinces to restore connectivity and mobility for residents affected by the disaster. The bridges are being built in close cooperation with the Indonesian Army (TNI Angkatan Darat). As of 3 March 2026, physical progress on field projects shows substantial advances. In Aceh Province, the pilot bridge at Blang Teurekan is currently 95 percent complete, the highest among ongoing bridge projects in the area. Meanwhile, progress at Sekrak Kiri stands at 41.90 percent and Burni Bius at 51.5 percent. The field team also notes 57.01 percent progress for the bridge at Brawang Gajah. Projects in Owaq are at 50.5 percent, while Meunasah Bireuen has reached 59.9 percent. The Kali Alas bridge is also showing positive momentum with 57.6 percent completion. Earlier, Satgas PRR had completed eight pilot bridges across Aceh. All completed facilities are now available for daily activities. Moving to North Sumatra, the bridge at Hipnis Village, South Tapanuli, has progressed to 49 percent, and the bridge over Sungai Aek Naingan, Mandailing Natal, is at 49.2 percent. Progress in the Nias archipelago is also evident with 62.5 percent in West Nias and 63.5 percent in North Nias; the project on Sungai Sibulian, Central Tapanuli, has reached 66 percent. Two additional bridges over Sungai Aek Sirahar, Central Tapanuli, have progressed 57 and 58 percent respectively. Satgas PRR had previously completed five pilot bridges in North Sumatra. In West Sumatra Province, progress on two pilot bridges over Sungai Batang Mangoi stands at 51 percent and 47 percent respectively, while the Sungai Alahan Panjang project remains at 31.85 percent. The Sungai Batang Sinama project is at 43 percent, and Sungai Batang Bangko Gadang at 44.5 percent. The projects over Sungai Batang Siat and Sungai Batang Guwo are at 37.93 percent and 39.85 percent, respectively. The bridge at Sungai Jorong Sini currently shows 36.81 percent physical progress. So far, Satgas PRR reports that no pilot bridge has been completed in West Sumatra. Earlier, during a series of visits to disaster-affected areas in Sumatra, Satgas PRR Chairman Muhammad Tito Karnavian stressed the importance of accelerating the construction of damaged transportation infrastructure to restore mobility and logistics distribution. He said this was crucial to normalise movement and supply chains. Tito said he had coordinated intensively with the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, regarding the handling of damaged bridges. The step was taken to address the impacts of floods and landslides in Sumatra. The central government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure recovery in affected areas was conveyed directly by Tito to the public. He assured that all relevant units were working at maximum capacity to complete the task. “I have contacted the Minister of Public Works and the relevant PU staff. He has conveyed his commitment to me,” Tito said at an event in Pidie Jaya on Saturday (21/2).