RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government is accelerating bridge development through the Garuda Bridges (Jembatan Garuda) program across remote areas. The update was delivered during the Priority Program/PHTC Update Press Conference held at the Government Communication Agency, Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The program responds to limited infrastructure access in remote and disaster-affected areas across Indonesia. It aims to improve connectivity for education, healthcare, logistics, and economic activities.

Deputy III of the Government Communication Agency Kurnia Ramadhana explained that the program prioritizes areas with limited access and urgent infrastructure needs. He highlighted the latest development progress of the Garuda Bridges Program during the press conference.

“The Jembatan Garuda program as of July 28, 2026, has initiated the construction of 2,838 bridge points across 38 provinces, prioritizing regencies and cities with high levels of isolation and urgent connectivity needs,” he said.

Kurnia said 1,416 bridge points, or 49.9 percent, have been completed across Indonesia, covering steel bridges, arco bridges, concrete bridges, and peritis bridges. He also explained the achievements and benefits of the Garuda Bridge Program for communities.

"So far, the Garuda Bridge Program has connected around 7,371 villages, benefiting approximately 4,252,500 people. The program has also improved access to 8,505 schools and 4,250 healthcare facilities, while connecting 4,360 economic facilities such as markets."

The program has reduced travel time by around 45 to 50 minutes in connected areas. It also lowers logistics costs for agricultural, plantation, and fisheries products by around 30 to 50 percent.

The initiative is funded mainly through the State Budget with support from regional governments and related institutions. The Indonesian Government also prepares monitoring systems to ensure bridge safety after completion.