Gov't builds 5,000 suspension bridges to support connectivity

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government aims to complete the construction of 5,000 suspension bridges across various regions by the end of 2026 to strengthen connectivity in remote areas.

"Building bridges means connecting hopes," Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a social media post, according to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat received here on Thursday.

Wijaya stated that the government has targeted the completion of 2,500 suspension bridges by August 2026. Construction will then be accelerated to reach the overall target of 5,000 bridges by the end of the year.

He explained that the development of suspension bridges is carried out through collaboration between the government, the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), and local communities.

According to him, the new bridges are built to connect areas that have been separated for years by rivers and difficult terrain.

Through the suspension bridge development program, Prabowo wants to realize connectivity that is faster, safer, and more equitable to the remotest parts of Indonesia.

Such infrastructure is expected to facilitate community mobility and improve access to education, health services, and other public facilities.

He added that the infrastructure also serves as a supporting means for children in remote areas to reach schools.

"For children who must go to school every day, a bridge is not only a connection between two riverbanks. A bridge is a connection to the future," he said.

Indonesia has prioritized infrastructure development to enhance connectivity and equitable access, especially in remote regions.

The government has also targeted the completion of around 6,900 bridges by 2026, with a focus on areas facing limited river crossings, to improve mobility and economic opportunities.

This aligns with ongoing initiatives under President Prabowo Subianto, including the launch of 1,151 kilometers of regional roads across 37 provinces to reduce logistics costs and strengthen national connectivity.

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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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