Public Works Ministry Moves Quickly on Post-Earthquake Response in Central Sulawesi
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has moved swiftly to respond following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi Province.
Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that the ministry is continuously coordinating with local governments and relevant agencies to ensure basic infrastructure services remain functional and public mobility is not disrupted.
“Since the onset of the disaster, the Ministry of Public Works has acted quickly by deploying personnel teams to carry out emergency response, inspect affected infrastructure, and support the regional emergency command,” Dody said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Since the disaster occurred, the ministry has immediately mobilised personnel and equipment to examine the condition of affected infrastructure and provide emergency support in the impacted areas.
Through the Central Sulawesi National Road Implementation Centre (BPJN), the ministry is monitoring and inspecting a number of road sections and bridges in the affected areas, including Palu City and the regencies of Sigi, Poso, Donggala, and Parigi Moutong.
As part of the acceleration efforts, Dody said BPJN Central Sulawesi dispatched one unit of heavy equipment to Kamarora Village, Nokilalaki District, Sigi Regency on Wednesday. The equipment was deployed to assist with clearing and reopening road access following the earthquake, ensuring smooth public mobility and aid distribution.
Additionally, he said, the BPJN Central Sulawesi technical team carried out detailed follow-up inspections on the Palu 4 and Palu 1 bridges. The inspections were conducted to follow up on initial checks performed immediately after the earthquake, to thoroughly ascertain the structural condition of both bridges.
According to Dody, the inspection results showed no structural damage to either the Palu 4 or Palu 1 bridges. Both bridges have been declared safe and can continue to be used to support public activities and regional connectivity.
Furthermore, BPJN Central Sulawesi has coordinated with the Palu City Public Works Office regarding the condition of the Palu 3 Bridge, which is managed by the Palu City Government, and is ready to provide support and technical advice if needed.
Dody conveyed that for now, BPJN Central Sulawesi’s handling and inspection efforts are focused on the Palu 4 and Palu 1 bridges, which fall under the authority of the Ministry of Public Works.
The ministry, he said, will continue to monitor and inspect strategic infrastructure in the affected areas to ensure public safety and maintain smooth connectivity and economic activity following the disaster.
Dody stated that this swift action is part of the Ministry of Public Works’ commitment to disaster response through the provision of reliable, safe, and resilient infrastructure.