Public Works Minister Pledges to Rebuild Bridge Destroyed by Flooding in Jember
Jember, East Java (ANTARA) — Public Works (PU) Minister Dody Hanggodo has confirmed that the government will rebuild the inter-village bridge destroyed by flooding that struck Pakusari Village, Jember Regency, East Java.
“Public Works Ministry staff have already inspected and designed the bridge requirements in coordination with the Pakusari Village Head,” Dody said after surveying the collapsed bridge in Pakusari Village, Pakusari District, Jember Regency, on Sunday.
He said his ministry would construct a bridge higher than the previous one to withstand future flooding, though the ministry has requested that the access road leading to the bridge connecting the two villages be made more gradual and less steep.
“I have asked for the road to be made less steep because it is too precipitous — it would be difficult for small children who need to cross it to reach the bridge,” he said.
He expressed hope that the bridge construction could be completed within the coming months, enabling residents of the two villages to use it for their daily activities.
Dody affirmed the central government’s commitment to working in synergy with local authorities to address infrastructure needs in Jember, particularly those related to disaster response and strengthening the people’s economy.
“We will work together with the Regent. There are 16 bridges and 50 dams that will be handled collaboratively between the district, provincial, and central governments. This is a priority because it concerns public safety,” he said.
The inter-village bridge destroyed in Pakusari Village will be rebuilt by the Public Works Ministry using state budget (APBN) funds.
Dody noted that Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait had previously visited the Public Works Ministry in Jakarta to present several infrastructure development plans, bringing proposals including the widening of the Tanggul-Jember road, construction of a flyover, repair of disaster-affected infrastructure, and revitalisation of Tanjung Market.
“The Public Works Ministry will assess the extent to which we can address the emergency response in Jember,” he said.
“The PU Minister’s visit to Jember represents the central government’s commitment to accelerating development in the regions. I am grateful for the central government’s commitment,” the Regent said.
Pakusari Village Head Misjo said the bridge destroyed by flooding served as a vital access route for residents of two villages — Subo Village and Jatian Village — in Pakusari District.
“The bridge is a crucial access point for the community for trade, for farmers selling their harvest, for education, and for healthcare, so a permanent bridge needs to be built,” he said.
Following the bridge’s collapse after flooding struck in late December 2025, village officials built a makeshift bamboo bridge using their own resources to ensure residents’ activities could continue between the two villages.