Task Force to Reinforce Enang-enang Bridge Following Community Appeal in Bener Meriah

The Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) has confirmed it will strengthen the structure of the Enang-enang Bridge in Kampung Arul Cincin, Pintu Rime Gayo District, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh. The move is a rapid response to community aspirations, after residents previously undertook self-funded, voluntary repairs to maintain economic, educational, and daily mobility access.

Task Force Chairman Muhammad Tito Karnavian stated that the government has agreed on three main steps for handling the area: widening the alternative road via Simpang Werlah, constructing a new permanent bridge as a long-term solution, and reinforcing the Enang-enang Bridge structure so it can remain functional on a limited basis during the transition period. “We have reached an agreement. First, the Werlah alternative road will be widened and repaired by the Public Works Office. Second, a permanent bridge will still be built by the Ministry of Public Works because it is important for the people of Tanah Gayo. Third, the Enang-enang Bridge will remain in use, but will be reinforced and its technical structure studied further by the Public Works Office. I will continue to monitor its progress,” Tito said during a visit to Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, on Tuesday.

Tito explained that the decision to keep the Enang-enang Bridge operational was based on the real needs of the community. The road is the fastest access to the centre of residents’ activities. If they are forced to detour via other routes, the community would have to travel a much longer distance, leading to increased transportation costs. However, the government is prioritising safety, so heavy-tonnage vehicles will temporarily not be permitted to cross until the technical assessment is completed.

“I asked earlier why the community wanted to keep using this bridge. It turns out that if they have to detour, the distance is far and fuel costs also increase. That is why this bridge will remain functional. However, heavy-tonnage vehicles cannot pass yet because we do not want any accidents to happen,” Tito said.

Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), Zulkarnaini, explained that the reinforcement of the Enang-enang Bridge will commence shortly using cyclopean concrete construction on the foundation and abutment sections damaged by the disaster. “For the Enang-enang Bridge, we will reinforce the damaged foundation and abutment. Some materials have already arrived at the location, and we will begin the reinforcement work this week,” Zulkarnaini stated.