Aceh – Indonesia, The Southeast Aceh Regency Government is accelerating the construction of the Lawe Kisam Bridge in Lawe Bulan District. Targeted for completion in December 2026, the project is funded with an allocation of IDR 1.6 billion from regional transfer funds (TKD). Elevating the bridge aims to mitigate the risk of river overflows that frequently disrupt residential areas and community activities during heavy rainfall.
Head of the Southeast Aceh Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Office, Sadli, stated that the previous bridge deck was too low, causing wooden debris and sediment carried by the river current to easily get trapped. This condition obstructed the water flow and triggered flooding in residential areas.
“Based on our documentation, floodwaters previously reached about half a meter above the bridge deck. During heavy rainfall, the bridge acted as a barrier to the water flow, causing it to spill over into local settlements,” Sadli said while inspecting the bridge work on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
To address this issue, the local government raised the bridge deck by approximately three meters from its original position. The bridge measures 10 meters in length and 7.4 meters in width, with a load capacity of up to 30 tons.
Sadli hopes that this elevation will ensure smoother river flow during high water discharge, thereby reducing the risk of flooding onto the bridge surface and surrounding residential areas. “With this new height, hopefully the water will no longer overflow onto the bridge surface and can flow safely downstream,” he added.
Construction of the Lawe Kisam Bridge began in July 2026 and is scheduled for completion in December 2026. As of October 8, 2026, physical progress has reached 57.34 percent, while financial realization stands at around 20 percent.
During construction, residents are using a temporary emergency bridge made of coconut trunks to cross. This temporary bridge was built alongside the main structure and will remain in use until construction is complete.
Once completed, the Lawe Kisam Bridge will re-establish the connection between Kandang Mbelang Village and Lawe Kulok Village in Lawe Bulan District.
Sadli hopes the completed bridge will enhance local mobility and the distribution of agricultural and fishery produce. With improved access, residents from both villages are expected to carry out their daily routines and economic activities more seamlessly.
“With this bridge, the challenges residents previously faced due to flooding can be resolved. Hopefully, this will foster better local economic growth and support business activities moving forward,” Sadli said. [*]