Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has urged the completion of Bailey bridge construction by next week to reconnect roads to several flood-hit villages in Aceh.
He delivered the instruction during a limited meeting at the Aceh National Disaster Response Post at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base in Aceh Besar on Sunday.
"I observed the construction of the Bailey bridges carried out by the Public Works Ministry with assistance from the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI). The work is progressing. Hopefully, within a week, they will start operational," Prabowo said.
As of Sunday night, the Public Works Ministry continued accelerating Bailey bridge installation in several locations, including Teupin Mane, Alue Kulus, Enang-enang, Weihni Rongka, and Timang Gajah.
Prabowo said Bailey bridges must be prioritized to restore access to disaster-isolated areas in Sumatra, particularly Aceh.
During the same meeting, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Suharyanto reported that although access in some areas is gradually improving, several locations remain fully cut off.
He said the two most severely affected districts are Bener Meriah and Central Aceh, with 232 villages affected in Bener Meriah and 295 in Central Aceh.
He added that conditions in Aceh Tamiang are improving as aid can now be delivered by land, although the number of affected villages remains at 216.
Suharyanto also reported that several key infrastructure facilities in other areas remain paralyzed.
"There are three prominent points where national road access remains blocked. First, the Meureudu–Pidie Jaya border section, including the Meureudu Bridge, is still damaged," he said.
The second is the Teupin Manee Bridge in Bireuen District, which connects Bireuen and Bener Meriah, while the third is the road between Bireuen City and North Aceh.
He said the Public Works Ministry and the Joint Task Force are intensively addressing all critical points.
