VP Gibran Inspects Post-Disaster Infrastructure in North Sumatra

RRI.CO.ID, Sibolga – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming on Friday, September 4, 2026, inspected the two infrastructure projects in North Sumatra: Hutanabolon Sabo Dam in Central Tapanuli Regency and the Garoga 2 Bridge in South Tapanuli Regency. According to the country's Vice Presidential Secretariat, the inspection is to ensure accelerated infrastructure development that restores access and strengthens public protection against disaster risk, after the deadly Cyclone Senyar disaster in late 2025.

Vice President Gibran emphasized that both infrastructure projects should be completed on schedule while maintaining construction quality and safety. He said the Sabo Dam plays an important role in controlling debris and reducing disaster risks, while the Garoga 2 Bridge is needed to restore connectivity and support public mobility.

"Recovery must not simply repair the damage that has already occurred. The infrastructure we build must make communities better protected against the risks of future disasters," he said.

During his inspection of the Hutanabolon Sabo Dam, Gibran observed its construction progress, intended to reduce disaster risk in the area. An information panel by the Ministry of Public Works said physical progress on the project, built across the Tukka River, had reached 26 percent, compared with the initial target of 29 percent.

Meanwhile, construction of the Garoga 2 Bridge in South Tapanuli is part of urgent work along the 65-kilometer Sibolga–Batangtoru–Padang Sidempuan road. As of 2026, physical progress on the project package had reached 44.93 percent, with completion targeted for December 31, 2026.

"Restoring access is extremely important for the community. But the work must not stop at the bridge. We must also complete the work on the river so that people are better protected," the vice president said.

The Vice Presidential Secretariat said that through the direct inspection, Gibran ensured that post-disaster infrastructure development was progressing according to targets and on-the-ground needs. Accelerating the restoration of access and the construction of disaster-control infrastructure is expected to improve safety, support public mobility, and strengthen protection against potential recurrence of disasters.