Visiting Tapsel, Vice President Requests Accelerated Completion of Garoga Bridge

South Tapanuli (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the progress of the Garoga Bridge construction in South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, and ensured the accelerated recovery of the area, which was previously inundated by logs swept away by floods.

During a visit to South Tapanuli on Friday, the Vice President listened to an explanation from the Head of the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Centre (BBPJN), Hardi Siahaan, regarding construction progress aimed at reducing the potential for hydrometeorological disasters in the region.

“The rainy season is about to begin again,” the Vice President remarked, highlighting the potential for rainfall in the area to trigger further flash floods.

The Vice President also enquired about the progress of efforts to clear remaining logs along the riverbanks that have been present since the flash floods occurred in late November 2025.

“There are still remaining logs; we will gradually clean these up,” said Hardi Siahaan.

The government previously categorised the recovery of the North Sumatra region under Cluster 5, which includes the construction of Garoga Bridge 2 and the Garoga 3 box culvert, alongside the reconstruction of a 1,500-metre stretch of road. This construction is part of the post-flood emergency response efforts.

Beyond the Garoga area, the Vice President also urged the swift completion of the Sabodam project in Tukka District, Central Tapanuli Regency. This request was echoed by local residents, who noted that such infrastructure is vital for controlling material flow and reducing disaster risks should similar conditions recur.

Earlier, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited North Sumatra on Friday morning to personally oversee the progress of handling and recovery efforts following recent floods and landslides in Central Tapanuli Regency, South Tapanuli Regency, and Sibolga City.