Task Force Mediates Between Residents and BPJN Over Enang-Enang Bridge Construction

The Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) has confirmed that infrastructure development in the disaster-affected area of Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, will commence shortly. The certainty was achieved after the task force successfully mediated differing views between the community and the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) regarding the handling of the Enang-Enang Bridge. The agreement was reached when the Head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster PRR Task Force, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, visited Kampung Arul Cincin, Pintu Rime Gayo District, on Tuesday (7/7). His presence was part of the task force’s effort to ensure that every issue on the ground is resolved through dialogue, collaboration, and decisions acceptable to all parties. Tito explained that the disagreement arose after BPJN Aceh assessed that the Enang-Enang Bridge was no longer safe to traverse. A landslide caused one side of the bridge to collapse by about three metres, leaving the structure tilted and resting on highly unstable ground. Consequently, BPJN Aceh initially proposed that residents use an alternative route to avoid the risk of accidents. “The Public Works agency there said they dare not bear the risk if something happens because the ground is very unstable,” he stated in a written release on Monday (13/7/2026). On the other hand, residents hoped the bridge could still be used because the alternative route was considered much longer and would increase transportation costs. The community then worked together to reinforce the collapsed access point so that vehicles could still pass. “The residents were not building the bridge. What they built was the collapsed access road,” he said. Observing the situation, the PRR Task Force took mediation steps to find a solution accommodating the interests of all parties. As a result, the government, together with the community and BPJN Aceh, agreed on a phased approach. In the short term, the Enang-Enang Bridge structure will be reinforced so it can remain functional on a limited basis, with vehicle restrictions imposed to ensure user safety. Meanwhile, the government is also preparing a permanent solution by building a new bridge near the old bridge’s location. In addition to constructing the new bridge, the government will upgrade the Simpang Wer Lah alternative road by widening it from four metres to six metres and building a permanent bridge to accommodate large vehicles. This measure is expected to maintain community mobility during the construction process while improving long-term regional connectivity. “I went there to mediate and see the situation firsthand. After mediation, the gist is that the structure can be reinforced, but no lorries are allowed. Only pedestrians, motorcycles, and cars. Then a new bridge will be built, and the shortcut will also get a new bridge and be asphalted. That is the solution from me,” he explained. All structural reinforcement and infrastructure construction work is targeted to begin in July 2026, carried out by the Ministry of Public Works together with relevant agencies. The PRR Task Force will continue to oversee the implementation to ensure it stays on schedule so that economic, educational, and public service activities in Bener Meriah can recover in a safer, smoother, and more sustainable manner. Tito stressed that the differing views that had emerged were part of the process of finding the best solution, not a form of neglect towards the community. “Once again, it is not that the government is not paying attention. This was a difference of opinion between the Public Works agency and the community,” he concluded.