Hanggodo said the ministry’s infrastructure readiness and rapid deployment of resources are critical to supporting nationwide disaster-response operations.
“We ensure equipment from our technical units can be mobilized whenever needed, including to restore access and assist evacuations,” he said.
A total of 310 personnel have been deployed to Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra. The teams — drawn from water resources, highways and settlement infrastructure units — have conducted rapid assessments, inspected damaged structures and supported emergency operations led by the national disaster agency BNPB.
President Prabowo Subianto has ordered all government bodies to accelerate response efforts across Sumatra.
Field inspections through Dec. 1 found 14 collapsed or severed bridges in Aceh due to surging river flows and road embankment (oprit) failures at multiple points. The destruction has disrupted community access, delayed logistics distribution and hindered emergency services.
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The Aceh National Road Implementation Agency reported that most bridges suffered collapse, scoured embankments or structural displacement.
Damaged structures include Weihni Rongka Bridge, Krueng Beutong bridge embankment, Krueng Meureudu Bridge, Teupin Mane Bridge, Kuta Blang Bridge, Jamur Ujung Bridge, Lawe Penanggalan Bridge, Timang Gajah Bridge, Jerata Bridge, Pelang Bridge, Titi Merah Bridge and three other locations under verification.
The ministry is moving to restore functionality as quickly as possible.
“Connectivity is the lifeline of communities. When a bridge fails, relief mobility, public services and economic activity are all obstructed. That’s why we are deploying all technical resources to accelerate repairs in Aceh,” Hanggodo said.
One of the most critical structures affected is the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge along Aceh’s East Line, part of the national road network linking key districts.
Several major roads are also cut off, including the North Sumatra–Aceh border route, Banda Aceh–Lhokseumawe–Langsa–Aceh Tamiang corridor, and roads in Gayo Lues, Bireuen–Takengon and Subulussalam–Tapaktuan.
Emergency measures include installing Bailey bridges at priority points to restore temporary access, reinforcing and compacting bridge embankments, installing gabions and strengthening riverbanks.
Crews are also clearing rivers, removing debris, normalizing water flow and deploying heavy equipment to reopen blocked or washed-out roads.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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