Students in Pandeglang Remove Shoes to Cross River After Bridge Collapses

Dozens of primary school students in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, must risk their safety daily by crossing the Cipunten Agung River in Labuan District just to attend school. This dangerous crossing became the only route after a bamboo bridge previously used by residents was swept away by strong currents several years ago. With great caution and accompanied by anxious parents, the children remove their shoes and socks before wading through the 26-metre-wide river to avoid getting them wet for the school day. One parent, Dianah, said she always accompanies her child across the river, and her worry intensifies during the rainy season when the current becomes dangerously strong. She noted that while an alternative land route exists, it requires a detour of nearly three kilometres to reach SDN Padahayu 2. The lack of proper infrastructure has also impacted the school’s operations, with head teacher Tedi Rustandi confirming that the absence of a bridge has led to a significant drop in new student enrolment. He explained that many parents, fearing for their children’s safety, have opted to transfer or enrol them in other schools located further away but with safer access.