Jokowi Inaugurates Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge Which Costs IDR 173 Billion

BALI - President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge on Samosir Island, North Sumatra, today.

During the inauguration, President Jokowi was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi, Mayor of Medan Bobby Afif Nasution, Mayor of Binjai Amir Hamzah, and Regent of Deli Serdang Ashari Tambunan.

President Jokowi said the construction of the bridge with a total length of 382 meters (m) was to support the development of Lake Toba as a Priority National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) or Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP).

"It was also inaugurated by the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge in Samosir Regency which cost Rp. 173 billion. The main span is 99 m with a width of 8 m," Jokowi said in a press release, Friday, August 25.

On this occasion, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that infrastructure development at each KSPN or DPSP is planned in an integrated manner, both regional planning, roads, supply of raw water and clean water, waste management, sanitation, cert for residential improvement through a master plan for infrastructure development.

"The principle is to change the face of the region to be carried out quickly, integrated, and have an impact on the local and national economy," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN) Junaidi said the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge was the only land access to Samosir Island in the middle of Lake Toba.

"The Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge will be completed in December 2022. It was built to connect the Parapat area to Samosir, so to support tourism on the Samosir side, as well as open the isolation of this area. The bridge was built iconically with additional elements of beautification," he said.

As for the main bridge, there are 3 spans, with a main span of 99 m which uses the main box girder structure.

Meanwhile, the short bridge also consists of 3 spans with the main structure of prestressed I girder. Construction is carried out by PT Wijaya Karya (Persero).

In addition to the construction of the bridge, the work on widening the Tano Ponggol channel has also been carried out by the Sumatra II River Basin Center (BWS) of the Directorate General of Water Resources.

From the original width of 25 m to 80 m with a total length of 1.2 km, so it can be passed by cruise ships.