Task Force Accelerates Construction of Three Types of Emergency Bridges Post-Sumatra Disaster
The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster is continuing to expedite the construction of bridges in efforts to restore connectivity that was previously disrupted due to the disaster some time ago in Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar).
Restoration is being carried out in parallel by building three models, including Bailey bridges, Armco bridges, and pioneer bridges at several isolated points. This construction is being carried out collaboratively by TNI AD and Polri personnel who are part of the Satgas PRR.
The Head of Satgas PRR, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, stated that the restoration efforts in the three disaster-affected areas of Sumatra do not stop at building functional bridges and roads at the regional level.
He emphasised that as a follow-up step, they will accelerate the construction of permanent bridges and roads so that the transportation network, community mobility, logistics distribution, and economic movement can fully return to normal.
“Regional bridges, especially at the district/city level, some are already 100 percent but temporary and must be made permanent, some are not yet functional and must be made functional, but without hindering the logistics system, that is the most important thing,” said Tito during a press conference at the Presidential Staff Office, Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/3).
Based on Satgas PRR data as of 31 March, most bridges at isolated points in the three affected areas have been completed. In detail, out of 41 Bailey bridge units in Aceh, 39 have been completed, and the other two are in the installation process.
Then, from the plan to build 82 Armco bridge units, 44 bridges have been completed. From the plan for 15 pioneer bridge units, 14 bridges have also been completed.
In Sumut, out of the plan to build 24 Bailey bridge units, 12 bridges have been completed and the rest are still in the installation process. From the plan for 33 Armco bridge units, 18 bridges have been built, and from the plan for 13 pioneer bridges, 12 units have been completed.
In Sumbar, 11 Bailey bridge units have all been completed. Meanwhile, out of 30 Armco bridge units, 13 units have been completed, and the construction of 5 units out of 9 pioneer bridges has also been completed.
A Bailey bridge is a type of lightweight steel frame bridge that is portable and prefabricated. This bridge is designed to be assembled without special heavy equipment in a short time.
Meanwhile, an Armco bridge is made from galvanised steel sheets that are corrugated to increase structural strength. As for pioneer bridges, they are built simply with varied materials and sometimes in the form of suspension bridges.