Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has urged government aides to promptly follow up on plans to construct a suspension bridge over the Gomo River to improve mobility in Boronadu, South Nias District, North Sumatra.
“I have ordered integrated follow-ups on the bridge construction plans,” he said while reviewing the proposal in Sifalago Gomo Village on Sunday.
The vice president stressed that building the suspension bridge has become urgent to ensure safe travel for residents, support local economic activities, and improve access to education.
According to Gibran, the bridge is designed to allow residents to cross the Gomo River even when water levels rise, reducing the risk of isolation when flooding cuts off land access to and from the village.
He further explained the bridge’s importance by noting that around 60 percent of students at Public Vocational High School (SMKN) 1 Boronadu live across the river, directly affecting their ability to attend school.
At least four villages are at risk of isolation whenever the river overflows, he added.
Taking these factors into account, the vice president emphasized the need for an integrated approach to the project, considering geographical conditions and safety aspects to ensure the bridge delivers tangible benefits to local communities.
On Sunday, Gibran began a three-day official visit to North Sumatra and North Sulawesi to assess infrastructure development, review disaster response efforts, ensure equitable access to basic services, and support preparations for Christmas celebrations.
On the first day of the visit, he was scheduled to travel to South Nias to review the bridge plan and meet students at SMKN 1 Boronadu, before continuing to Nias District to inspect electrification efforts in Hilisebua Village.
His agenda on Nias Island also includes a visit to Gunungsitoli City to review a gas-fired power plant to ensure the reliability of electricity supply, as well as a stop at Petrus Ombulata Church to check Christmas preparations.
In the following days, the vice president is scheduled to review disaster response measures in North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra; attend a Christmas celebration in Bitung City, North Sulawesi; and conduct a market inspection and participate in another Christmas event in Manado City, North Sulawesi.
