Jakarta – The Ministry of Public Works (KemenPU) has deployed 310 personnel to speed up the handling of floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, including speeding up the repair of 14 bridges damaged by the disaster. The staff, consisting of the emergency response team from elements of water resources, highways and human settlements, carried out rapid responses, inspected affected infrastructure and supported emergency management under the command of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). President Prabowo Subianto has given directions for all government elements to move quickly in dealing with disasters on the island of Sumatra. PAGE TO CONTINUE CONTENT Based on the results of field inspections related to the impact of the flood and landslide disaster in Aceh province until December 1, 2025, it was recorded that 14 bridges collapsed or were cut off due to high water discharge and damage to openings at a number of points. This damage caused severe disruption to community access, logistics distribution and emergency services in several areas of Aceh. The results of inspections by the Aceh National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) noted that bridges suffered damage on average in the form of collapses, eroded openings or structures swept away by currents. Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, said the preparedness of the Ministry of Public Works’ infrastructure and resources is an important part of supporting disaster management in various regions. “We are ensuring that equipment support from technical centers can be mobilized whenever needed, including to open access and assist in the evacuation process,” Dody said in a written statement Tuesday (12/2/2025). The bridges damaged were Weihni Rongka Bridge, Oprit Krueng Beutong Bridge, Krueng Meureudu Bridge, Teupin Mane Bridge, Kuta Blang Bridge, Mushroom Ujung Bridge, Lawe Penanggalan Bridge, Timang Gajah Bridge, Train Bridge, Pelang Bridge, Titi Merah Bridge, and 3 other locations under detailed verification by the field team. The Ministry of Public Works continues to move quickly to ensure that the affected infrastructure can be brought back into operation quickly. “Connectivity is the lifeblood of society. Once a bridge is cut, the mobility of aid, public services and economic activities is also hindered. This is why the Ministry of Public Works is mobilizing all technical resources to speed up handling in Aceh,” he said. One of the strategic bridges affected is the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge on the Aceh-East Crossing, which is part of the national road network and very essential for inter-regional access. Meanwhile, several roads have been cut off, namely the North Sumatra-Aceh Boundary Road, Banda Aceh – Lhokseumawe – Langsa – Aceh Tamiang, Gayo Lues, Bireuen – Takengon, Subulussalam – Tapaktuan. access, compaction and strengthening of bridges, installation of ramparts, as well as cleaning rivers, dealing with large debris, and normalizing water channels to prevent further damage. (same/same)