The temporary bridge is being built to restore a vital route cut off by flash floods. The inspection was the first agenda item of President Prabowo’s working visit to Aceh.
Upon arrival, he received a briefing from Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo on the construction progress. The President then walked toward the steel frame being assembled by Indonesian Army personnel.
During the inspection, President Prabowo was accompanied by Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf and Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo.
Other officials present included Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Armed Forces Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak.
The Bailey bridge is being installed to reconnect access between Bireuen and Takengon in Central Aceh District. The strong current of the Teupin Mane River has required workers to proceed with caution.
At the site, President Prabowo briefly delivered direct instructions to Minister Hanggodo before greeting residents and evacuees who had gathered to welcome him.
“We can see one of the Bailey bridges they are working on. It is expected to open within a week, and from here we can continue with the construction of three more bridges leading to Bener Meriah and Takengon,” President Prabowo said after reviewing the assembly process.
Bireuen is among the areas severely affected by the flash floods that struck on 25 November 2025.
In Juli sub-district, homes, roads, and bridges suffered extensive damage. Several families have taken shelter in designated safe zones after their houses were swept away.
After inspecting the Bailey bridge installation, President Prabowo continued his visit to an evacuation shelter in Gampong Pante Baro, Juli sub-district, located near the Teupin Mane Bridge, to assess the condition of the displaced residents.
Meanwhile, as of December 6, 2025, a total of 914 people have been confirmed dead after flash floods and landslides hit three provinces in Sumatra, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said.
Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s data, information, and communication center, said the death toll continued to rise as search operations progressed. Authorities are continuing search, rescue, and evacuation efforts as communities struggle with widespread destruction across the affected regions.
Aceh has recorded the highest number of victims with 359 deaths. North Sumatra has reported 329 fatalities, followed by West Sumatra with 226.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
