Aceh – Indonesia, Aceh Tamiang
The government is set to construct 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.
Aceh Tamiang Regent, Inspector General of Police (Ret.) Drs. Armia Pahmi, MH, through the Acting Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Office 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 begin construction by the end of this year,” Dedi said in Aceh Tamiang on Sunday (4/10/2026).
Dedi explained that the total budget allocation for the construction reaches IDR 126,089,998,000 under a multi-year contract scheme. This construction is a priority to replace the old bridge that was destroyed by floodwaters.
Since the main access was severed, mobility for residents in the two districts has been limited, relying solely on a suspension bridge and small ferries (getek). The construction of this permanent bridge is expected to restore the smooth flow of goods and services.
In addition to the Bandar Pusaka-Sekerak connecting bridge, the government also plans to gradually build two other bridges in the area, namely the bridges connecting Bandar Pusaka to Pematang Durian Village and Baling Karang Village.
The plan to build this vital infrastructure was positively welcomed by local residents. Datok Penghulu Lubuk Sidup of Sekerak District, Ibrahim, considered the presence of a permanent bridge crucial for reviving the community’s economy after the disaster.
“The impact of the disaster late last year severely hit the residents. It wasn’t just the bridge that was damaged; people’s livelihoods were also paralyzed. The existence of this permanent bridge is deeply meaningful for the economic recovery of the community,” Ibrahim said. []