PRR Task Force: Kuta Blang Bridge enters asphalt paving stage
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Acceleration Task Force for Sumatra, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has announced that the construction of the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge in Kuta Blang, Bireuen Regency, Aceh, has entered the asphalt paving stage.
“Yesterday we visited the field (Kuta Blang bridge). The progress is extraordinary; the paving will likely be completed this week,” said the Chairman of the Aceh PRR Task Force Team for the Ministry of Home Cap, Imran, in Banda Aceh on Thursday.
The Kuta Blang Bridge serves as a national access road from the eastern region of Aceh to North Sumatra. It collapsed following a flash flood in late November 2025.
The Ministry of Public Works immediately commenced permanent reconstruction at the beginning of 2026, through the construction of a bridge duplication (twin bridge) with a length of 149.7 metres. The contract, valued at Rp107.5 billion, is being executed by PT Adhi Karya.
To date, the progress of the bridge has reached 95 per cent, with a target for testing or functional use starting on 20 September 2026.
Imran stated that the initial target for the completion of the permanent construction of the Kuta Blang Bridge was November, with full functionality in December 2026. However, efforts have been accelerated to ensure completion by September. This acceleration is intended to mitigate risks as Aceh is expected to enter the rainy season this coming November-December.
“The initial target was completion in November, and full operation in December. But we have issued a warning and are striving for September, because according to BMKG predictions, Aceh will experience high rainfall in November and December,” he said.
In addition to Kuta Blang, Imran explained that the construction of the Teupin Mane Bridge in Bireuen is also being accelerated, with a target to be functional by the end of September. Current progress involves the pouring of the floor slab.
“For Teupin Mane, the floor slab will be poured this week, followed by paving. We hope it will be finished this September,” said Imran.
For context, the Teupin Mane Bridge in Juli District, Bireuen Regency, is a national road connecting the central route to Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah Regencies, extending to Southeast Aceh.
Following its collapse due to flash floods, the government immediately began rebuilding using a steel frame structure 160 metres long and 12 metres wide, equipped with bored pile foundations and soldier pile approach protection.
Imran emphasised that the government continues to exert maximum effort to provide effective handling during this post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction period in Aceh.