Total Length of Indonesian Army's Emergency Bridges Reaches 13.1 Km, Twice That of Suramadu
During the tenure of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) for Post-Disaster Recovery in Sumatra since 7 January 2026, the Indonesian Army has built a total of 350 bridges of various types. If strung together, their total length reaches 13,169.8 metres or 13.1 kilometres, more than twice the length of the Suramadu Bridge in East Java, which spans 5,438 metres and is Indonesia’s longest bridge.
Of this total length, Pioneer Bridges contribute the most at 8,578.5 metres. Bailey Bridges, commonly used on strategic routes, measure around 3,418 metres, while Armco Bridges span 1,173.3 metres.
In the Satgas PRR report as of 27 April 2026, the Army’s Territorial Staff and the Iskandar Muda Military Regional Command recorded that 89 Bailey Bridges have been completed and 31 units are still under construction. Armco Bridges completed number 95 units, with 50 units in progress. Meanwhile, 34 Pioneer Bridges are operational, and 51 units are still being built.
The longest bridge is located in Sekrak Kiri, Aceh Tamiang, with a span of 280 metres and still in the completion stage. The shortest bridge is an Armco type spanning 1.5 metres in Bluka Teubai 2, North Aceh.
In addition to the Indonesian Army, the Indonesian National Police are also involved in infrastructure recovery by building 37 bridges, consisting of 31 Pioneer Bridges and 6 Bailey Bridges. However, data on the overall length of bridges built by the police is not yet available.
Cross-institutional involvement demonstrates that the acceleration of recovery continues amid challenges of terrain and weather. “The terrain and weather are indeed quite dynamic,” said Lieutenant Colonel Czi I Made Dwi Bagus Yudistira from Yonzipkon 12/KJ, quoted from Merdeka.com on 8 April 2026.
He stated that the discipline and meticulousness of the soldiers are key to quickly restoring community access. “Access to education for schoolchildren is now back to normal. In addition, farmers can now channel their produce to the market,” said Lieutenant Colonel Czi I Made Dwi.
The hard work of personnel in the field is also acknowledged by the Army Chief of Staff, General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak. “I have conducted assistance trips for disasters dozens of times, from Mount Merapi, the disaster in Lembata and others, but this is the fastest in Sumatra. In this condition, we can build many Bailey Bridges, hundreds of clean water sources, and temporary housing,” he said.
The Head of Satgas PRR, Tito Karnavian, also appreciated the cross-agency involvement in accelerating Sumatra’s recovery. “The mobilisation for Sumatra’s recovery involves the TNI, Polri, ministries/institutions, and all elements of local government,” he said.
“Therefore, I convey my appreciation to all institutions involved, such as the Ministry of Public Works, TNI, Polri, and others, who have worked hard to restore national road access to connecting bridges to support logistics supply,” said Tito.