RRI.CO.ID, Bogor - President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated 218 bridges across various regions of Indonesia through a hybrid ceremony held via video conference from his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, Monday, 9 March 2026. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the development of basic infrastructure, particularly in disaster-affected areas and regions requiring better transportation access.

The President emphasized that Indonesia’s geographical conditions present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of natural disasters. According to him, these conditions require the government and society to continuously strengthen resilient infrastructure across the archipelago.

“We realize that our country lies within a region full of disaster potential,” the President said in his remarks. “Geologically, we are located in the ring of fire, where there are many volcanoes.”

He added that Indonesia’s location on the Ring of Fire also brings advantages, including abundant mineral resources and fertile land. “However, from time to time we must always be ready to face natural disasters,” he stated.

President Prabowo described the completion of hundreds of bridges within a relatively short time as an achievement worthy of appreciation. He said the accomplishment reflects the dedication of many parties, particularly personnel of the Indonesian Army and local officials.

“Today’s inauguration of 218 bridges completed within 2.5 months is, in my view, an extraordinary achievement,” the President said. “It shows the strong commitment of TNI personnel and officers working in disaster-affected areas and other regions that urgently need these bridges.”

Meanwhile, Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak reported that bridge construction is part of a broader accelerated infrastructure program carried out by the Indonesian Army. He noted that work has begun on more than a thousand bridges across the country.

“At present we have started work on 1,072 bridges, and 218 have already been completed,” Maruli said while delivering his report from Lhok Kuyuen Village in North Aceh. He added that bridge construction has had a direct impact on improving access to education, especially for students in remote areas.

Maruli also highlighted that the Indonesian Army prioritizes bridge construction in disaster-affected regions where urgent infrastructure repairs are needed. “In disaster areas alone, we have surveyed 480 bridges requiring attention, and so far we have completed 145 bridges,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the government and the Indonesian Army aim to continue accelerating infrastructure development across the country. “We hope bridges can be completed by August, schools in disaster areas by October, and around 7,000 bridges nationwide by early next year,” Maruli conveyed.