The Indonesian Army is Building a Bailey Bridge to Restore Post-disaster Access in Sumatra

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - A bailey bridge, or a prefabricated portable steel frame bridge, is currently being installed by personnel from the Army to reconnect the bridge that was destroyed due to flash floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Restoring connectivity is a priority in addition to assisting in meeting the needs of disaster survivors.

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, General Maruli Simanjuntak, at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, stated that currently, TNI personnel are not only focused on ensuring logistical support for disaster victims.

"We are currently in the process of starting to connect the bridge. So we have begun constructing with the bailey bridge that we have. We are gathering more from outside Sumatra. We are sending them there gradually. Because I have heard that there are dozens of bridges that are broken," he stated.

Currently, the Bailey bridge is being constructed at four locations. Two of these will replace the Redep Terminal Bridge in Pasangan, Bireun, and the Teupin Mane Juli Bridge in Bireun, Aceh. Additionally, the Karang Pelang Bridge on the Beureunun-Geumpang-Pameu Takengon route in Aceh is also being prepared.

In addition, a bailey bridge has been constructed at the Matur Bridge in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. There are also bailey bridges that will be built to replace the Garuda Bridge in Batang Toru on the Tapanuli Tengah-Tapanuli Selatan route in North Sumatra. Currently, the bailey bridge for Batang Toru is still in progress.

"We are sending another five sets. Perhaps next week we will evaluate again and send more. Because one bailey bridge weighs 50 tons, the logistics are complicated. Once it arrives there, it will need to be unloaded using a crane and then moved over there. The process may take about a week," said Maruli.

The construction of this Bailey bridge will be carried out by Indonesian Army personnel, especially engineers and other troops.

So far, according to Maruli, 26,000 personnel from the Army have been deployed to assist disaster victims in Sumatra. The first priority is to evacuate and ensure the distribution of logistics. Blocked routes are also being reopened.

Meanwhile, the Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Freddy Ardianzah, explained that currently, a total of 30,791 TNI personnel have been deployed. All personnel are supported by 18 transport aircraft such as the A400M, Hercules, C-295, Casa, and Caravan. In addition, 36 helicopters have been deployed to expedite the distribution of logistics.

From the naval component, 14 warships and 1 ADRI ship were deployed, including 2 hospital ships, 5 logistics ships, and 7 additional ships carrying social and logistical assistance.

The total distribution of air assistance from Halim to the forward base in Medan, Padang, Banda Aceh, Lhokseumawe, Sibolga, and Rembele has reached 239.16 tons. When combined with sea distribution, the overall total of logistical assistance amounts to 1,546.34 tons.

"The fulfillment of basic needs has become a target for acceleration, considering that the situation is indeed a crisis. As mentioned yesterday, the need for food, the need for clean water, and the need for health services are critically required by the affected communities," said Freddy at the Main Disaster Response Post in Sumatera at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta.

The TNI has also deployed Reverse Osmosis (RO) vehicles to ensure the availability of clean water for communities affected by the disaster. The Army Engineering Corps operates the water purification vehicles at several locations, allowing puddle and stagnant water to be processed into potable water, while aid distribution is also carried out through air drops to reach isolated areas.

Maruli added that the President's newly established territorial development infantry battalions are useful in assisting with disaster management. "If an area doesn't have troops, we have to deploy them from another island. Meanwhile, the current situation in society is already chaotic," he said.

The new defense equipment delivered from the manufacturer was immediately used at the disaster location.

"Perhaps a few months or a few years ago, no one could have predicted that our country would be able to deploy 50 helicopters. 50 helicopters are now mobilizing in the disaster area," said President Prabowo Subianto in his speech while attending the 61st anniversary of the Golkar Party in Jakarta on Friday evening.