Two Major Bridges in Aceh Nearing Completion and Ready for Operation
Connectivity recovery in Aceh continues to show significant progress. The construction of the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge, also known as the Kutablang Bridge in Bireuen Regency, has entered the asphalt paving stage, with physical progress reaching 95 per cent and a target to be functional by 20 September 2026.
The Kutablang Bridge serves as a national access road connecting the eastern region of Aceh to North Sumatra. Its existence is crucial for supporting community mobility, logistics distribution, and the smooth running of economic activities in the area.
Imran, a representative of the Sumatra Aceh Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force from the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that work is being accelerated so that the bridge can be used by the public as soon as possible. He shared this during a visit to Banda Aceh on Wednesday (9/9).
“Yesterday we visited the Kutablang Bridge site. The progress is extraordinary; the paving will likely be completed this week,” Imran said in a written statement on Thursday (10/9/2026).
The Kutablang Bridge previously collapsed due to flash floods in late November 2025. The Ministry of Public Works has partnered with PT Adhi Karya to rebuild the bridge permanently through the construction of a 149.7-metre bridge duplication, with a contract value of Rp 107.5 billion.
The acceleration target is ahead of the original plan, which slated permanent completion for November and full operation for December 2026. This measure is being taken to ensure public access remains safe ahead of the increase in rainfall expected at the end of the year.
“The initial target was completion in November, with full operation in December. However, a warning was issued and efforts are being made for September, because November and December in Aceh experience high rainfall based on BMKG predictions,” he noted.
In addition to the Kutablang Bridge, the construction of the Teupin Mane Bridge in Juli District, Bireuen Regency, is also being accelerated. The bridge, located on the central national route connecting Bireuen with Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Southeast Aceh, is targeted to be functional by the end of September 2026.
Currently, work on the Teupin Mane Bridge has entered the floor casting stage. Once this stage is complete, work will proceed to asphalt paving.
“For Teupin Mane, the floor casting will be finished this week, followed by paving. We hope it will be completed this September,” Imran revealed.
The Teupin Mane Bridge, which previously collapsed due to flash floods, is being rebuilt with a steel truss structure measuring 160 metres in length and 12 metres in width. The construction also features bored pile foundations and soldier pile protection to strengthen the bridge’s durability.
“The government is doing its utmost to handle this. It is not just there; several other areas that were severely affected, such as Aceh Tamiang, are already functional, as are East Aceh in Serbajadi and Lokop. The government’s efforts have been extraordinary,” Imran concluded.