The Indonesian Army is constructing an emergency Bailey bridge in Jorong Sikabau, Nagari Pematang Panjang, Koto Balingka District, West Sumatra, to reconnect roads severed by flash floods. Led by the Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Region Command, the effort began on Monday (December 8) and involves several engineering units. The bridge is expected to facilitate aid distribution and restore resident mobility.
The Head of the Army Information Service, Brigadier General TNI Donny Pramono, stated that his unit is building an emergency bridge in an area hit by flash floods in West Sumatra. The specific location is Jorong Sikabau, Nagari Pematang Panjang, Koto Balingka District, where roads were previously completely cut off due to flooding.
Donny, confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday (December 9), explained that the Tuanku Imam Bonjol Military Region Command (Kodam XX) has deployed personnel for the project. Construction began on Monday (December 8), involving Denzipur 2/Prasada Sakti Payakumbuh, Batalyon TP 896/Serumpun Pseko Jambi, and Koramil 07/Air Bangis.
Currently, Zeni Unit personnel are laying foundations, assembling steel panels, and constructing the Bailey bridge structure, known for its efficiency in emergencies. "Each component is assembled carefully to ensure the bridge's safety and durability," Donny said.
Although no completion timeline has been set, Donny emphasized that the team will work as quickly as possible. The bridge is expected to open new access for aid distribution, restore resident mobility, and support economic recovery post-disaster in the area. The flash floods in West Sumatra are part of a series of hydrometeorological disasters affecting Sumatra since late November, causing widespread infrastructure damage.