KBRN, Jakarta: The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), in collaboration with the Indonesian Military, has completed the construction of a Bailey Bridge to restore access between Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli through Garoga Village, Batang Toru Subdistrict, which was severely affected by recent flooding.

“The Bailey Bridge has been finished and has been operational for public use since Saturday, December 13, 2025,” said Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, in Jakarta on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Built by personnel from the Indonesian Military’s Engineer Battalion (Yon Zipur), the bridge can accommodate both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

However, Abdul noted that four-wheeled vehicles traveling from Central Tapanuli toward Garoga Village can only reach as far as the artificial river formed by the flash flood. “Residents heading to Batang Toru must continue their journey on foot, crossing the affected area,” he added.

On Sunday, December 14, many residents were seen using the emergency crossing, most of them flood victims carrying belongings to neighboring villages.

The bridge is considered a crucial step in accelerating recovery for communities impacted by the disaster. “This bridge is expected to improve daily mobility and access for residents significantly,” Abdul said.

BNPB's Sunday monitoring also recorded large numbers of people moving through the disaster zone, including groups from outside the region. The agency has strongly urged the public not to approach the affected area and warned against treating it as a tourist destination during the year-end holiday season.

Weather forecasts indicate that Batang Toru Subdistrict, particularly Garoga Village, remains at risk of light to moderate rainfall over the next three days, with sudden increases in river discharge still a risk.

BNPB has also called on joint disaster management teams operating in the area to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. ***