South Sumatra Police Build 81 'Merah Putih' Bridges to Support Community Activities
To mark the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the South Sumatra Regional Police and its ranks have delivered 81 Red and White Precision Bridges. The presence of these bridges serves as a tangible demonstration of the National Police’s commitment to opening up access, shortening travel distances, and supporting community activities across various regions of South Sumatra.
The programme formed part of the National Police’s Red and White Bridge inauguration, which was carried out centrally via video conference with the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Police Chief today. In South Sumatra, one of the bridges inaugurated is located in Lalang Village, Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency.
The bridge in Lalang Village measures 14 metres in length and 1.5 metres in width. The structure provides direct benefits to around 900 residents, particularly in supporting mobility and daily activities.
Prior to the bridge’s construction, residents had to travel along a much longer route to reach essential services. With the Red and White Bridge in place, journeys can now be shortened by approximately 4.5 kilometres, saving up to 25 minutes of travel time.
South Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho emphasised that infrastructure development addressing the basic needs of the community represents one form of police presence whose benefits can be felt directly.
“The Red and White Bridge programme in South Sumatra is not only being implemented in Banyuasin. Based on recapitulation by the South Sumatra Police and the resort police forces, a total of 81 bridges have been recorded, comprising 74 bridges that have been completed and 7 bridges still under construction,” Sandi stated in a written release on Thursday (13/8/2026).
Of that number, the 74 completed bridges have already provided benefits to approximately 100,900 people. Meanwhile, once all 81 recorded bridges are finished, the estimated number of beneficiaries across South Sumatra is expected to reach around 111,600 people.
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations of the South Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, said the construction of the Red and White Bridges is directed at addressing the real needs of the community, particularly in areas that have long faced limited access.
“This bridge is not merely about physical construction. What matters most is the benefit felt by the community, from shortening travel times to facilitating economic, educational and social activities, thereby opening up connectivity between regions. The spirit is that the National Police is present and delivering tangible benefits to the public,” he said.
According to him, the momentum of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence has become even more meaningful because the spirit of independence is being realised through development that helps communities break free from limited access and facilitates their daily activities.
“The presence of 81 Red and White Precision Bridges in South Sumatra also reflects the commitment of the South Sumatra Police and its ranks to continue bringing services closer to the community. Through appropriate infrastructure that touches the needs of residents, the spirit of independence is expected not only to be celebrated ceremonially but to be genuinely felt in the daily lives of the people,” he concluded.