Aceh – Indonesia, Aceh Tamiang  
The government is set to build a permanent bridge connecting Bandar Pusaka District and Sekerak District in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh, by late 2026. The IDR 126 billion project, funded by the state budget (APBN), is allocated to restore community connectivity severed by flash floods in late 2025.

The Regent of Aceh Tamiang, Retired Police Inspector General Drs. Armia Pahmi, MH, through the Acting Head of the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Agency of Aceh Tamiang Regency, Dedi Nurfadli, stated that the project is being managed directly by the Ministry of Public Works and is currently in the contract signing stage.

“God willing, the bridge connecting Bandar Pusaka District and Sekerak District will be under construction by the end of this year,” Dedi said in Aceh Tamiang, Sunday (10/4/2026).

Dedi explained that the total budget allocation for the construction reaches IDR 126,089,998,000 under a multiyear contract scheme. This project is a priority to replace the old bridge destroyed by floodwaters.

Since the main access was cut off, mobility for residents in the two districts has been limited, relying solely on a suspension bridge and rafts. The construction of the permanent bridge is expected to restore the smooth flow of goods and services.

In addition to the Bandar Pusaka-Sekerak bridge, the government also plans to build two other bridges gradually in the area, namely the bridges connecting Bandar Pusaka to Pematang Durian Village and Baling Karang Village.

The plan to construct this vital infrastructure was warmly welcomed by local residents. Village Head (Datok Penghulu) of Lubuk Sidup in Sekerak District, Ibrahim, emphasized that the permanent bridge is crucial for revitalizing the local economy post-disaster.

“The impact of last year’s disaster hit residents hard. It wasn’t just the bridge that was damaged; people’s livelihoods were paralyzed too. The presence of this permanent bridge means a lot for the residents’ economic recovery,” Ibrahim said. []