This proves that the government of President Joko Widodo has not only built large infrastructures, such as national roads, toll roads, and dams, but we have also continued to build community infrastructure, including suspension bridges. We have builtJakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono on Tuesday said he is committed to continuing the development of people's infrastructure.
With the construction of Air Lontar Bridge that connects Pengandonan and Muara Jaya Districts in South Sumatra Province, economic activities in the surrounding areas are expected to continue to grow and boost the community's economy, the minister said.
"This proves that the government of President Joko Widodo has not only built large infrastructures, such as national roads, toll roads, and dams, but we have also continued to build community infrastructure, including suspension bridges. We have built thousands of suspension bridges throughout Indonesia," Minister Hadimuljono said in a written statement on Tuesday.
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The construction of the bridge was initiated by the provincial government of South Sumatra as well as the district government of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), and is being supported by the PUPR Ministry, he added.
The bridge has two frames at the top spanning 40 meters and 50 meters and has been built at a cost of Rp9.8 billion, the minister informed. The bridge was constructed by local workers using domestically sourced materials, he highlighted.
The 90-meter-long and 6-meter-wide Air Lontar Bridge spans the Muara Laham and Ogan rivers.
Before its launch, the bridge underwent a static and dynamic load test, which was conducted by the local government. Loading and other tests were also carried out on the bridge, in accordance with the procedures set by the ministry, Hadimuljono said.
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He also asked the Sumatra VIII River Basin Center (BBWS) to conduct a survey of agricultural land irrigated by Muara Laham and Ogan rivers so that irrigation improvements can be carried out.
The minister said that a dam will be designed and constructed this year and next year so that rice fields can receive optimal irrigation, he informed.
"From the helicopter, I saw how beautiful the rice plants are here. The water also looks clear. This proves that the watersheds here are still well maintained. With the improvement of irrigation, hopefully, farmers can plant at least twice a year," he added.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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