Two Bridges Connecting Medan City - Banda Aceh Successfully Built

JAKARTA - Two bailey bridges destroyed by the disaster in Aceh-Sumatra, are being installed in the Teupin Mane river area, Aceh Bireuen, which is one of the critical points of the Medan-Banda Aceh land route. The installation was carried out by the Indonesian Army, the Ministry of Public Works (PU), and the local community.

Efforts to accelerate infrastructure recovery in disaster-affected areas continue to be carried out by the government through cross-agency collaboration.

In a written statement delivered by Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya, the government emphasized the importance of fast recovery in cross-province access. "Installation of 2 bailey bridges by the Indonesian Army, the Ministry of Public Works, and local communities, on the Teupin Mane river, Aceh Bireuen," wrote Seskab Teddy on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Seskab Teddy explained that the route is a vital access that connects Medan City with Banda Aceh and a number of districts/cities in Aceh. The installed bailey bridge weighs about 50 tons, functions as a temporary bridge but can function as a permanent bridge in an emergency.

Seskab Teddy also said that the installation was accelerated since the first day the TNI AD and the Ministry of Public Works went down to the location. TNI AD and the Ministry of Public Works from the start work as quickly as possible to restore access to the main roads of affected locations. Installation is carried out hand in hand with the local community, 24 hours non-stop every day to pursue completion time," he said.

Infrastructure damage in the Teupin Mane river was caused by the overflowing of the river which is now 180 meters wide, much higher than normal conditions of about 100 meters. According to Seskab Teddy, with the installation of the two bailey bridges, the government targets logistical access to be reconnected soon.

"This bailey bridge is expected to function in the next 2-3 days so that the land logistics route can be connected as quickly as possible," said Seskab Teddy.

Seskab Teddy also emphasized that recovery efforts were not only carried out at one point, but also in various other locations that suffered similar damage. "Infrastructure recovery efforts continue to be accelerated through the acceleration of the installation of the bailey bridge in several affected locations," said Seskab Teddy.

With the joint work of all elements, the government targets community mobility and aid distribution to return to normal in the near future, especially for areas that have been isolated over the past few days due to the interruption of the main bridge.