PU Ministry Accelerates Simpang Lancang–Werlah Alternative Route in Aceh

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is accelerating the handling of the Simpang Lancang–Werlah alternative route in Aceh to maintain logistics and community mobility. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated in Jakarta on Monday that the effort goes beyond reinforcing the Enang-Enang Bridge, aiming to provide better access. “This alternative route will strengthen community connectivity, facilitate logistics distribution, and support the economic activities of Bener Meriah residents,” he said. He noted that the construction of the alternative route is part of the government’s effort to build infrastructure that is more resilient to disasters. For communities in the Gayo highlands, connectivity is not just about roads and bridges. A connected route means harvests can reach markets, basic necessities remain available, children can go to school, and economic activities continue. Therefore, following the flash flood that damaged the Enang-Enang Bridge in November 2025, the Ministry of Public Works is not only reinforcing the bridge but also preparing the Simpang Lancang–Werlah alternative route as a long-term solution to ensure community mobility and logistics distribution are maintained. Minister Dody explained that the alternative route will serve as a vital link for the community of Pintu Rime Gayo District and surrounding areas. Besides providing an option when the main access is disrupted, this road will also strengthen regional connectivity so that the community’s economic activities do not depend on a single access. The Simpang Lancang–Werlah route spans approximately 8 kilometres. The Ministry of Public Works will upgrade the road by widening it to 6 metres and fully paving it to serve vehicle traffic more safely and comfortably. This capacity increase is expected to reduce travel time and improve access reliability to the Pintu Rime Gayo area. In addition to road improvements, the Ministry of Public Works is also preparing the construction of two permanent bridges, namely the Werlah Bridge and the Simpang Lancang Bridge. Both bridges are designed to be wide enough to accommodate two vehicles simultaneously; for instance, the Simpang Lancang Bridge is planned to have a span of 45 metres. Minister Dody stated that the construction of the Werlah Road along with the Werlah Bridge and Simpang Lancang Bridge is scheduled for 2026, with a budget requirement of approximately Rp100 billion. During the construction process, community mobility will be maintained through a temporary functional bridge utilising box containers reinforced with steel plates and embankments. Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Works continues to strengthen the Enang-Enang Bridge structure to ensure it remains safe for public use. Technical inspections revealed that the bridge’s foundation on the side from Bireuen towards Bener Meriah has tilted due to river scouring. According to Minister Dody, this condition has been secured with temporary supports and will soon be enhanced with structural reinforcement work on the bridge’s substructure. Through the handling of the Enang-Enang Bridge and the construction of the Simpang Lancang–Werlah alternative route as a long-term solution, the Ministry of Public Works aims to ensure the people of Bener Meriah have resilient, safe, and reliable connectivity. The infrastructure is built not only to connect one region to another but also to keep the wheels of the economy, logistics distribution, and community life moving despite disaster challenges.