PRR Task Force Oversees Permanent Solution for Enang-Enang Bridge in Bener Meriah After Sumatra Floods
The Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR) conducted a direct inspection of the Enang-Enang Bridge in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, on Friday, 12 June 2026. The field visit forms part of the mandate stipulated in the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Decree Number 25 of 2026 concerning the Master Plan for the Acceleration of Post-Natural Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra. Under this decree, the Task Force is charged with coordinating the resolution of various obstacles in the field to ensure the recovery process proceeds according to plan.
The Satgas PRR arrived alongside a technical team from the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) and representatives from PT Hutama Karya. The joint inspection aimed to unravel the technical constraints hindering the permanent handling of infrastructure totally destroyed by the natural disaster.
The Enang-Enang Bridge, located on the Bireuen–Takengon Highway in Pintu Rime Gayo District, is a main transport artery. This route connects the Gayo highlands with the northern coastal region of Aceh, serving as a vital distribution channel for local agricultural and plantation produce.
This location was one of the critical points affected by the disaster. Cliff wall landslides and flash floods caused damage to roads and the bridge, which has served as the primary link between the Gayo region and Aceh’s northern coast. The route is a national road and a lifeline for the distribution of agricultural goods.
Local communities had independently reopened road access after the route was completely severed. However, field observations indicate the infrastructure condition remains far from safe for crossing.
BPJN Aceh explained that the existing bridge structure has sustained severe damage. The foundation on one of the abutments has fractured, causing the bridge body to tilt. The approach road on the bridge side has also experienced a landslide, while the surrounding soil conditions remain unstable and prone to movement.
Based on provisional technical studies, the damage has caused an elevation difference of approximately four metres on the bridge body. “Use of the bridge is not recommended for either two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles as it has the potential to cause subsequent damage and endanger the safety of road users,” read BPJN Aceh’s recommendation.
The results of geological and technical assessments point towards the construction of a shortcut bridge as a permanent solution. The new infrastructure is planned to have spans of 101 metres, 180 metres, and 101 metres using the balanced cantilever method. The total bridge length is estimated to reach almost 400 metres.
This design was chosen to avoid landslide-prone areas while enhancing the safety and reliability of the national route connecting Bireuen, Bener Meriah, and Central Aceh Regencies. The permanent handling also includes road repairs, cliff wall structuring, and river flow control around the site.
BPJN Aceh stated that construction of the permanent bridge is planned to commence in 2027. Consequently, the Satgas PRR has reminded all parties to begin preparatory measures early, including coordination with the local government regarding land requirements and public outreach to affected communities.
“If possible, preparatory steps can begin in late 2026 so that the permanent construction can proceed according to plan,” read one directive from the visit reported to Satgas PRR Head Tito Karnavian.
While awaiting the construction of the new bridge, BPJN Aceh, through its Regional III Work Unit, has carried out maintenance and capacity upgrades on the alternative road replacing the Enang-Enang Bridge access. At several points, the road width has been increased from four metres to six metres to smooth connectivity along the central crossing route towards Takengon.