Tito Urges Swift Construction of Pilot Bridges to Restore Connectivity

The Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (PRR) reported the latest progress on the construction of pilot bridges (suspension bridges). The programme is aimed at supporting the restoration of connectivity and mobility for survivors in Aceh Province, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar).

The Chairperson of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in the Sumatra Post-Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, said that, based on PRR Task Force data as of 3 March 2026, the pilot bridges built by the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) had gradually shown significant progress. In Aceh, progress on bridges at Blang Teurekan has reached 95 per cent, Sekrak Kiri 41.90 per cent, Burni Bius 51.5 per cent, Brawang Gajah 57.01 per cent, Owaq 50.5 per cent, Meunasah Bireuen 59.9 per cent, and Kali Alas 57.6 per cent.

However, it should be noted that the PRR Task Force has completed eight pilot bridges in Aceh, according to a written statement by Tito on Wednesday (4 March 2026).

Meanwhile, in North Sumatra, the pilot bridges at Hipnis Village, South Tapanuli have reached 49 per cent; Sungai Aek Naingan, Mandailing Natal (Madina) 49.2 per cent; Sungai Onanamolo III, West Nias 62.5 per cent; Desa Sanawuyu, North Nias 63.5 per cent; Sungai Sibulian, Central Tapanuli 66 per cent; and two bridges over Sungai Aek Sirahar, Central Tapanuli, at 57 per cent and 58 per cent respectively. Previously, the PRR Task Force had also completed five pilot bridges in North Sumatra.

In West Sumatra, progress on two pilot bridges over Sungai Batang Mangoi has reached 51 per cent and 47 per cent. The bridge over Sungai Alahan Panjang has reached 31.85 per cent; Sungai Batang Sinama 43 per cent; Sungai Batang Bangko Gadang 44.5 per cent; Sungai Batang Siat 37.93 per cent; Sungai Batang Guwo 39.85 per cent; and Sungai Jorong Sini 36.81 per cent. So far, no pilot bridge has been completed in Sumatra’s West Sumatra.

Earlier, during a series of visits to disaster-affected areas in Sumatra in late February 2026, Muhammad Tito Karnavian stressed the importance of accelerating infrastructure development, particularly link bridges damaged by disasters to facilitate mobility for residents and the distribution of logistics.

Tito also said he had coordinated with the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, to speed up the construction of bridges damaged by floods and landslides in Sumatra. “I have contacted the Minister of Public Works and his colleagues as well. He has conveyed his commitment to me,” Tito concluded.