Regional Commander: Garuda Suspension Bridge as Economic Driver for Pusar Village Residents

Baturaja (ANTARA) - Commander of Kodam II/Sriwijaya, Major General TNI Ujang Darwis, hopes that the Garuda Suspension Bridge, built in Pusar Village, Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency, South Sumatra, will serve as the wheel driving the local economy. “This infrastructure is not merely a physical structure but also an engine for the community’s economic wheel,” said Ujang Darwis during the inauguration of the Garuda Suspension Bridge operations in Pusar Village, Baturaja Barat Subdistrict, OKU Regency, on Monday. He stated that the construction of the Garuda Suspension Bridge is a programme of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, implemented by the Indonesian Army. The Garuda Suspension Bridge programme is a national strategic project carried out simultaneously by the TNI with around 200 other suspension bridges across Indonesia. The construction of the suspension bridge, undertaken collaboratively by TNI soldiers and the local community, aims to support connectivity and access for rural populations. In OKU Regency itself, said he, the Garuda Suspension Bridge in Pusar Village spans 100 metres with a width of two metres, stretching over the Ogan River in the area. “Hopefully, this inaugurated bridge will truly benefit the community and speed up travel distances in daily economic activities,” he hoped. Meanwhile, OKU Regent Teddy Meilwansyah emphasised the bridge’s functionality for social life and schoolchildren’s education in the region. He stressed the importance of a sense of ownership from all residents to maintain this infrastructure asset so that its benefits are fully felt by the community. “With this bridge, the community can once again use a safe and comfortable connecting route for daily activities. I invite the residents to jointly maintain and care for the bridge so it can be utilised for the long term,” he said.