VP Gibran Inspects Stalled Way Bungur Bridge Project in Lampung, Promises Swift Completion

Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the construction of the Way Bungur Bridge, which connects Tanjung Tirto Village and Kali Pasir Village in Way Bungur District, East Lampung Regency, Lampung, on Wednesday (15/7).

The bridge had been stalled since 2016 and drew national attention after it went viral that residents and schoolchildren had to cross the river’s strong currents using klotok boats without any safety equipment.

The visit formed part of the monitoring of national strategic projects (PSN), which are expected to improve inter-regional connectivity and accelerate economic growth in East Lampung Regency.

The inspection was carried out to ensure the progress of this strategic infrastructure was proceeding according to plan.

During the visit to Bumi Tuwah Bepadan (East Lampung), Gibran was accompanied by Lampung Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela, Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf, East Lampung Regent Ela Siti Nuryamah, the East Lampung Chief Prosecutor, the Commander of Military District 0429 East Lampung, and the East Lampung Police Chief.

To reach the location and view the bridge construction in full, Gibran and his delegation boarded a klotok boat travelling along the river around the construction site.

From the waterway, Gibran observed the bridge’s construction progress firsthand whilst listening to a briefing from the relevant parties (Public Works and Housing Ministry) on the ongoing stages of work.

According to the explanation received, construction of the Red-and-White suspension bridge is still under way, with completion targeted for the end of July 2026.

The Way Bungur Bridge in Tanjung Tirto Village is projected to become a key access route connecting several areas of East Lampung Regency. The bridge is expected to smooth residents’ mobility, cut travel times, and ease the distribution of agricultural, plantation and fisheries produce.

Whilst inspecting the site, Gibran expressed concern over the condition of children who cross the river by boat every day to get to school. He described the situation as highly dangerous, particularly during the rainy season, especially with no safety equipment being used.

Gibran said the inspection was part of the agenda to monitor national strategic projects. The government wants to ensure construction proceeds according to plan so the bridge can quickly benefit the public.

“This inspection is being carried out to ensure construction goes according to plan and will eventually benefit the community,” he said at the site on Wednesday (15/7).

He also confirmed that the emergency bridge would be completed within two weeks, or by the end of July 2026. That way, two-wheeled vehicles will be able to cross whilst awaiting construction of the permanent bridge.

“The emergency bridge will be finished in two weeks. At the very least, motorcycles will be able to pass through first, so schoolchildren will no longer need to cross the river by boat,” he said.

He affirmed that construction of the permanent bridge would also begin soon. However, the project requires synergy between central and regional governments, including in resolving technical matters and land acquisition.

“The permanent bridge will be built soon. But its construction requires synergy with regional heads — technical, non-technical and land acquisition matters. So the regions must be proactive,” he said.

After inspecting the bridge construction, Gibran greeted residents who had long been waiting at the site. On that occasion, he distributed books to children as a form of support for improving literacy, and handed out t-shirts to the crowds attending the welcome.

Gibran’s arrival was greeted enthusiastically by residents who wanted to see him in person, with loud applause accompanying the Vice President’s steps at the inspection site.

East Lampung Regent Ela Siti Nuryamah expressed appreciation for the visit and for the central government’s attention to development in her region. She said the Vice President’s visit served as encouragement for the regional government to continue accelerating the project’s completion in line with established targets.

“We are deeply grateful for the Vice President’s attention. His presence is a motivation and tangible proof of the central government’s care for regional infrastructure development, cultural preservation and the welfare of the people of East Lampung,” she said.

“We, the East Lampung Regency Government, will continue to strengthen synergy with the central government to accelerate equitable development and improve the quality of public services,” she added.

She expressed hope that the Way Bungur Bridge construction could be completed soon so that its benefits could be felt by the community, both in improving inter-regional connectivity and in driving economic growth in East Lampung Regency.

“We are ready to work in synergy with the central government to accelerate equitable development, improve public services, and ensure that regional progress is felt directly,” she concluded.

After inspecting the bridge construction, Gibran and his delegation continued their visit to MTs Muhammadiyah I Way Bungur and inspected a cassava farmland in Muara Jaya Village, Sukadana District.

They also visited the Pugung Raharjo Archaeological Park in Sekampung Udik District, where Gibran was scheduled to meet community figures and Lampung cultural leaders.

The Pugung Raharjo Archaeological Park, a cultural heritage site, has drawn the central government’s attention for development as a historical, cultural and educational tourism destination.