Public Works Ministry Confirms Bridge Construction in Bener Meriah Will Continue

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works (PU), Apri Artoto, has emphasised that the construction of the bridge in the Bener Meriah region, Aceh, will proceed in accordance with the programmes established by the ministry. This statement comes in response to local community fundraising efforts aimed at accelerating the completion of the Enang-Enang Bridge, which was impacted by landslides in November 2025.

“What is certain is that the construction programme, as far as we are concerned at the Ministry of Public Works, will continue,” Apri told reporters at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Tuesday. He added that the construction will adhere to government programmes designed to meet technical standards and ensure the safety of the public.

Apri also addressed the community’s self-funded collection of up to Rp 1 billion to repair the bridge, which serves as a vital daily access route. He expressed concern that independent, community-led construction might fail to meet necessary safety standards, potentially leading to casualties.

“Due to concerns regarding public safety, if it is carried out via self-funding, we worry about the safety of bridge users. Therefore, we will proceed with our official programme,” he explained.

He further noted that the Minister of Public Works and a Task Force team plan to visit Aceh to monitor the progress of the Enang-Enang Bridge construction in the Pintu Rime Gayo District, Bener Meriah Regency. The bridge construction is a government priority under the Minister of Public Works as part of post-disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, the Ministry is working on completing public schools and preparing for the El Niño phenomenon.

Previously, the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) stated that the bridge and roads in the Enang-enang area of Bener Meriah would be permanently reconstructed in 2027, noting that alternative routes are currently available for the public. Following flash floods and landslides in Aceh, the Enang-enang bridge, which connects Bener Meriah and Bireuen regencies, has not yet been optimally repaired. Consequently, local residents have begun repairing the bridge and roads independently to ensure they remain passable, at least for two-wheeled vehicles.