Task Force Prepares Alternative Route in Bener Meriah

The Chairman of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has confirmed that the government is accelerating the preparation of an alternative route in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, during the handling of the Enang-Enang Bridge. Tito stated on Wednesday in Jakarta that he had inspected the condition of Jalan Werlah in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, on Tuesday (7/7). He added that the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, would also visit the site to ensure the acceleration of infrastructure handling. “When leaders go down to the field like that, it means the handling is serious. It’s not just talk, and I will certainly continue to monitor its progress,” he said. Tito explained that the government would build a bridge and simultaneously widen Jalan Werlah to serve as an alternative route during the repair process of the Enang-Enang Bridge. Meanwhile, heavy-tonnage vehicles will only be permitted to pass once the technical assessment from the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency is completed. The government will also install a portal to restrict heavy vehicles. “We do not want any accidents that could cause a collapse,” he said. The width of Jalan Werlah will be increased from four metres to six metres. The road will also be paved and complemented with the construction of a new bridge to improve community connectivity. The government is targeting the completion of the work by the end of 2026. During the inspection, Tito also spoke with residents affected by flooding, who shared the conditions of their settlements. In response, he outlined the rehabilitation and reconstruction measures being undertaken and planned by the government in Bener Meriah Regency.