Smiles of Riau Primary School Children on New Bridge: Thank You President Prabowo and Chief of Police
A large river that previously separated Desa Kociok and Desa Gobah, Tambang District, Kampar Regency, Riau, is no longer an obstacle for children to pursue their aspirations. Today, an atmosphere of emotion and gratitude enveloped the two villages as the construction of the Jembatan Merah Putih Presisi bridge was completed.
The 27.5-metre-long and 4-metre-wide bridge was officially inaugurated by Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The bridge, constructed by the Riau Regional Police, was finally completed after 20 days of work.
A primary school child named Refi Amelia, who lives in Desa Kociok, expressed her joy over the bridge’s construction. Previously, the bridge was in deteriorated condition with holes throughout its structure.
Refi and her schoolmates previously had to walk far out of their way to pursue their education. Now, Refi and other children no longer need to worry when crossing the bridge. This sturdy bridge now stands as a pathway to realise their dreams.
“Before this, our village was separated by a river. We went to school with great struggle, having to take a long detour to reach school. Today everything has changed. Now a strong bridge has been built, a bridge that will help us realise our dreams,” she explained.
Refi expressed her gratitude for the completion of the sturdy bridge. The 10-year-old expressed her thanks to President Prabowo Subianto and Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
“Refi knows that father is busy managing Indonesia, but we have not been forgotten as father has built a bridge for us. From the depths of our hearts, we express our gratitude to Father President and Father Chief of Police for building the Jembatan Merah Putih Presisi for us,” she said.
For her, the bridge is not merely a physical infrastructure structure, but a pathway that represents a new hope for realising her aspirations.
“For us, this bridge is a road to realise our dreams. We pray that Father President and Father Chief of Police are given health to lead this nation. May the kindness that father has given to us become charity whose benefits continue to flow for the people of Indonesia,” she said.
Similarly, two elderly residents in Desa Kociok also expressed their gratitude to President Prabowo and General Sigit with great emotion. With the sturdy bridge now in place, they can more easily visit the mosque for worship and attend religious study sessions.
“We express our gratitude to Father President and Father Chief of Police. Our bridge has been completed and is in good condition. We can go to the mosque more easily, and children can go to school. So we are very grateful to President and Chief of Police,” they said.
The Riau Regional Police have completed the construction of 27 bridges across 12 cities and regencies throughout Riau Province. The completion of this Jembatan Merah Putih Presisi bridge represents the Indonesian National Police’s commitment to the community, particularly in improving connectivity between villages.
The bridge inauguration ceremony was attended by the Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, Commission IV Chairman Titiek Soeharto, Deputy Riau Regional Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi, Kampar Police Chief Senior Commissioner Boby Ramadan Putra Sebayang and other police chiefs throughout Riau Regional Police, senior officials of Riau Regional Police, local leaders and community members.