Tapanuli Selatan Regent Denies Rumours of Damage to Garoga Bailey Bridge

Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Regent of Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra, Gus Irawan Pasaribu, has denied reports of damage to the Garoga Bailey Bridge in Batang Toru, Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra, which occurred some time ago.

“Yes, the Bailey Bridge is temporary in nature. Actually, yesterday we were with the Ministry of Public Works, and it wasn’t damage either. It was just routine maintenance to ensure everything is in good condition,” said Gus Irawan Pasaribu to ANTARA on Wednesday.

According to him, the rumour is untrue. To date, the bridge is still being used by the public, both from Central Tapanuli to South Tapanuli and vice versa.

The bridge is utilised by local residents for their mobility to neighbouring areas. Many returnees from Central Tapanuli to South Tapanuli or vice versa also cross the bridge.

With the surge in mobility during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, Gus Irawan Pasaribu urged the public crossing the bridge to continue adhering to the existing rules.

According to local resident Muhammad Panggabean, traffic flow using the bridge has been quite busy since two days ago by returnees using two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

“If I’m not mistaken, the vehicles of returnees have been visible since two days ago. Those are cars and motorbikes carrying lots of goods, definitely for homecoming,” he explained.

“With this bridge, we are quite helped in making our mobility more efficient. Without it, we would have to take a detour, which is much farther to our hometown,” said Rachmat Pasaribu, who was heading back to Napa Village, South Tapanuli.

The Garoga Bailey Bridge was officially opened on 24 December 2025 and serves as a vital route for public mobility in the two regions, namely Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli.