JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo has instructed a thorough technical inspection of the Besuk Kobokan bridge structure in Lumajang Regency, East Java, after the eruption as a preventive measure.
This was conveyed by Dody when he directly reviewed the bridge on Saturday, February 21.
"Visually it is still good and functional. However, a comprehensive technical check must be carried out to ensure that the strength of the structure remains safe," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Monday, February 23.
The examination includes evaluating the condition of steel materials exposed to high temperatures due to volcanic materials.
The review was carried out to ensure that the connectivity of the Lumajang-Malang National Road remains safe and smooth ahead of the 2026 Lebaran homecoming rush.
The 129-meter bridge is a vital link between the Lumajang-Malang section.
The infrastructure was temporarily affected by volcanic ash, but has been cleaned by the East Java-Bali National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN), so that it can still function.
Dody emphasized that this step was part of risk mitigation in the face of potential subsequent eruptions.
The handling carried out is not only focused on repairs, but also preparedness if volcanic activity increases again.
"The post-eruption handling yesterday was carried out at the same time as preparation in case of another eruption in the next few days, weeks or months. So this is not only repair, but risk mitigation," he said.
Until Friday, February 20, 2026 or H+19 after the incident, BBPJN East Java-Bali has opened the overflow hole of KD Gondoruso and the trench excavation on the crossing road segment with a progress of 100 percent.
In addition, a bridge was installed and temporary repairs were made to the access road, which had been cut off with the support of one CAT 320 excavator, one dump truck and one vibro roller compactor, involving 17 field personnel.
In terms of water resources, the handling is carried out by the Brantas River Basin Agency (BBWS) together with PUSDA Jatim at the location of KD Gondoruso.
The mudslide on January 30, 2026 caused the right bank embankment to be affected along 130 meters, cutting off access to the village and damaging about 4 hectares of residents' farmland.
BBWS Brantas has reopened the overflow hole covered with eruptive material and repaired the embankment using a pair of stone boulders along about 185 meters.
The progress of excavation and the right bank embankment pile has reached 65 percent with the support of three excavators, two dump trucks and eight field core personnel.
In addition to emergency handling, the PU Ministry has also started the construction of two lava control dams as part of the medium-term disaster risk reduction strategy in the Semeru area.
The handling of the affected dam is carried out gradually to strengthen the lava control system.
"Two dams that we are working on are significant enough to reduce the risk if there is another eruption. However, because the total damage is quite a lot, the handling is gradual. In some cases, building new ones is more effective than rehabilitating," said Dody.
He also conveyed his commitment to ensuring that strategic infrastructure continues to function optimally and increase resilience to disasters.
Thus, public safety and the smooth running of economic activities, including the homecoming flow during Lebaran 2026, are still maintained.
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