Inaugurating the Suspension Bridge in Bitung, North Sulawesi, Minister Basuki: Local Contractor, 100 Percent TKDN

Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of PUPR)

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono inaugurated the Manembonembo - Girian Bawah Suspension Bridge which was completed last year in Bitung, North Sulawesi, on Wednesday, January 18.

Basuki said that the construction of this suspension bridge is one of the people's infrastructures whose benefits are directly felt by the community because it will facilitate access for residents between Manembonembo Village and Girian Bawah Village.

"Thank God, this suspension bridge can be completed within five months by using domestic production (TKDN) and involving local contractors. I hope it can be utilized and maintained better", he said in a press release, Thursday, January 19.

Minister Basuki said the construction of a suspension bridge would facilitate movement and cut travel time between villages that previously had to make a long detour because they were separated by geographical conditions, such as slopes, hills, ravines, or rivers.

"The presence of a suspension bridge facilitates and shortens the access of villagers to schools, markets, workplaces, takes care of administration to the sub-district or sub-district office and access to the friendship between residents", he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the North Sulawesi National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) Hendro Satrio Muhammad said the construction of the Manembonembo - Girian Bawah Suspension Bridge was part of central government assistance.

"Construction of the Suspension Bridge began in mid-August 2022 according to the contract and will be completed in December 2022. Currently, it has been operating for the benefit of the community", he said.

The contract value for the construction of the 42-meter-long and 1.8-meter-wide suspension bridge is IDR 4.1 billion. The construction was carried out by local contractor CV Amin Anugerah and supervisory consultant PT Fendel Structure Engineering-PT Laras Sembada (KSO).