PRR Task Force Ensures Bener Meriah Reconstruction Prioritises Safety

The Minister of Home Affairs, who also serves as the Chairman of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has ensured that the construction of roads and bridges affected by disasters in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, will prioritise public safety.

Tito stated this following an inspection of the Enang-Enang Bridge in Bener Meriah on Tuesday (7/7). During the visit, he expressed his appreciation for the community’s self-help initiative in building the bridge to maintain local connectivity and mobility.

However, based on recent discussions, the condition of the Enang-Enang Bridge is still deemed insufficiently safe, particularly for heavy vehicles. Consequently, the government will reinforce the bridge’s structure to ensure it can be traversed by all types of vehicles.

“The Enang-Enang Bridge will remain functional, but its technical structure will be reinforced and studied by the Public Works Office (Balai PU),” he said.

While the technical assessment is underway, the bridge will only be permitted for use by motorcycles and light vehicles. Heavy vehicles will only be allowed to pass once the Aceh National Road Implementation Office (Balai Pelaksanaan Jalan Nasional Aceh) issues a study confirming the bridge is safe for use.

Tito noted that this policy serves as a middle ground that considers both community needs and safety aspects. The government aims to avoid disrupting local activities while refusing to take risks if the bridge’s condition has not been fully declared safe.

“We do not want an accident to occur, such as a collapse,” he emphasised.

He added that the government understands the community’s hope to keep the Enang-Enang Bridge operational. He noted that the bridge serves as a vital access point to schools, economic hubs, and various public services. If closed, residents would be forced to use alternative routes, resulting in longer travel distances and higher transportation costs.

During the inspection, Tito was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah; the Director General of Regional Administration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safrizal ZA; the Acting Head of the Aceh National Road Implementation Office, Zulkarnaini; the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of Bener Meriah Regency; and other relevant officials.