PRR Task Force Ensures Bener Meriah Reconstruction Prioritises Safety

Home Affairs Minister and Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has confirmed that the construction of roads and bridges affected by disasters in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, will prioritise public safety. Tito made the statement after inspecting the Enang-Enang Bridge in Bener Meriah on Tuesday (7/7). He commended the community’s self-help initiative in building the bridge to maintain connectivity and mobility for residents. However, based on joint discussions, the condition of the Enang-Enang Bridge is still deemed insufficiently safe, particularly for heavy vehicles. Consequently, the government will strengthen the bridge’s structure so that it can be used by all vehicles. ‘This Enang-Enang Bridge will remain functional but will later be reinforced, and its technical structure will be studied by the Public Works (PU) Office,’ he said. During the assessment period, the bridge will only be open to two-wheeled vehicles and light vehicles. Heavy vehicles will only be allowed to cross once the Aceh National Road Implementation Office has declared the bridge safe. According to Tito, this policy represents a middle ground that considers both the community’s needs and safety aspects. The government does not want to disrupt residents’ activities, but also does not wish to take risks if the bridge’s condition has not been fully declared safe. ‘We certainly do not want an accident where it collapses,’ he stressed. He added that the government understands the community’s hope that the Enang-Enang Bridge can continue to be utilised. The bridge serves as a vital access point to schools, economic activity centres, and various public services. If closed, residents would have to use alternative routes with longer travel distances and higher transportation costs. During the inspection, Tito was accompanied by Aceh Vice Governor Fadhlullah, Director General of Regional Administration Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs Safrizal ZA, Acting Head of the Aceh National Road Implementation Office Zulkarnaini, the Bener Meriah Regency Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and other relevant officials.