New Suspension Bridge Reconnects Communities in Sarudik Subdistrict

RRI.CO.ID, Medan - The Kodam I/Bukit Barisan Natural Disaster Response Task Force has successfully completed the construction of the Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra. The completion of the 120-meter span on Monday, March 9, 2026, marks a major milestone in restoring regional connectivity, providing thousands of residents in Sipan Village with a safe, permanent passage to essential services and economic hubs.

The bridge, which measures 2.5 meters in width, was built from the ground up to replace aging infrastructure that had previously hampered local mobility. By prioritizing structural integrity and communal safety, the Indonesian Military (TNI) aim to catalyze a rapid return to normalcy for a region recently tested by environmental challenges.

The project was a multi-unit effort involving a joint task force of soldiers from Koramil 03/Pandan, Yonif 125/SMB, and Yon Arh 11/WBY, with technical support from the Army Engineers Center (Pusziad) and Zibang Sibolga. Working alongside local volunteers, the military personnel transitioned through a rigorous construction phase that began with the removal of derelict iron pillars and the excavation of deep-foundation pits to ensure the new bridge could withstand future environmental stress.

“The construction of the bridge is an effort to help accelerate the recovery and improvement of infrastructure needed by the community,” said Head of Information for Kodam I/Bukit Barisan, Colonel Inf Asrul Kurniawan Harahap, during a briefing in Medan, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond its physical structure, the Perintis Garuda bridge is expected to serve as a vital artery for the local economy. By facilitating the easier transport of goods and agricultural products, the TNI expects a significant uptick in social and commercial activity within the Sarudik District.

“With the completion of the bridge, it is hoped that public access will become easier, safer, and can support the smooth flow of social and economic activities of residents,” Asrul concluded.

As the bridge opens to the public, it stands as a symbol of the "Manunggal" spirit—the unity between the TNI and the people in rebuilding the nation's resilient infrastructure. ***