PRR Task Force Decides Enang-Enang Bridge to Remain Operational

The Sumatra Post-Disaster Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force has decided that the Enang-Enang Bridge in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, will remain in use with structural strengthening, following public aspirations. Task Force Chairman Muhammad Tito Karnavian announced the decision in Jakarta on Wednesday after directly inspecting conditions in Bener Meriah, Aceh, on Tuesday (7/7).

According to Tito, the government has agreed on three measures for the area: widening and repairing the Simpang Werlah alternative road, constructing a permanent bridge by the Ministry of Public Works, and maintaining the function of the Enang-Enang Bridge with structural reinforcement. “We have agreed. First, the Werlah alternative road will be widened and repaired by the Public Works Office. Second, a permanent bridge will still be built by the Ministry of Public Works because it is important for the people of Tanah Gayo. Third, the Enang-Enang Bridge will remain functional, but it will be strengthened and its technical structure will be studied further by the Public Works Office. I will continue to monitor its progress,” Tito said.

However, heavy-tonnage vehicles are temporarily prohibited from crossing until the technical assessment of the bridge’s condition is completed. “I asked earlier why the community still wants to use this bridge. It turns out that if they have to detour, the distance is far and fuel costs increase. Because of that, this bridge will remain functional. But heavy-tonnage vehicles cannot pass yet because we do not want an accident to happen,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), Zulkarnaini, said that strengthening work on the Enang-Enang Bridge will begin soon using cyclopean concrete construction on the foundation and abutment damaged by the disaster. In addition to short-term measures, BPJN Aceh is preparing the construction of a new permanent bridge near the Enang-Enang Bridge with a span of approximately 300 metres. Design refinement is targeted for completion in 2026, while physical construction is planned to commence in 2027 after technical studies are finalised. The government will also widen the Simpang Werlah alternative road from four metres to six metres and build a permanent bridge on that route to ensure heavy-tonnage vehicles maintain access during the construction process.