Saturday, 05 September 2026
TAPANULI TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution inaugurated the combined Armco-Bailey Bridge in Parjalihotan Village, Pinangsori District, Tapanuli Tengah Regency, on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The new bridge restores connectivity between the hamlets and makes it easier for residents to travel, including children commuting to school.
The Parjalihotan Bailey Bridge connects Dusun 6 and Dusun 7 in Parjalihotan Village. Members of the Indonesian Military (TNI), together with local residents, constructed the bridge as part of efforts to address the impact of the natural disaster that affected several areas across North Sumatra.
The construction of the Parjalihotan Bailey Bridge is part of a program to build a total of 13 bridges by the TNI in cooperation with local communities to restore transportation links in disaster-affected areas. The government hopes the infrastructure will support residents in their daily activities, particularly by restoring transportation routes that had previously been disrupted.
At the inauguration ceremony, Bobby urged residents and local authorities to regularly inspect the condition of the bridge. He said routine inspections are important to ensure the bridge remains safe and can be used over the long term.
"I ask that the bridge be inspected every two or three months. If there are still deficiencies, we can help reinforce it," Bobby said.
Bobby also praised the efforts of TNI personnel and local residents in constructing the bridge. In his view, cooperation among various stakeholders is a key factor in accelerating infrastructure recovery following a disaster.
According to Bobby, the Parjalihotan Bailey Bridge is highly significant to the local community because it connects two hamlets whose residents rely on transportation routes for their daily activities. The infrastructure not only improves mobility but also makes it easier for children to travel to school.
"Hopefully, this bridge can help all families, especially children on their way to school," Bobby said.
He emphasized that the government would continue accelerating the restoration of infrastructure affected by the disaster. The efforts would not end with bridge construction but would also include repairs to various roads and public facilities that were damaged.
Bobby explained that the construction of the Parjalihotan Bailey Bridge was one of the measures being taken to address the impact of the disaster in Tapanuli Tengah and other parts of North Sumatra. The North Sumatra Provincial Government plans to continue addressing the consequences of the disaster through 2028.
"Efforts to deal with the impact of the disaster will continue through 2028. For example, if roads are damaged, we will repair them," Bobby said.
The commitment demonstrates that the government continues to regard infrastructure recovery as an important part of disaster response. Damage to roads and bridges can disrupt economic activities, education and public services, requiring gradual and sustainable measures.
In addition to inaugurating the bridge, Bobby used his visit to engage directly with residents of Parjalihotan Village. During the dialogue, he announced plans to provide business capital to local residents through cooperation between the North Sumatra Provincial Government and Bank Sumut.
The program is aimed at people seeking to develop their businesses. Bobby explained that the government would initially provide capital support to 50 people. Following an evaluation of the recipients' business development, additional capital could potentially be provided.
"Next week, the North Sumatra Provincial Government and Bank Sumut can provide business capital to women. Initially, we will provide capital to the first 50 people. If their businesses develop well, we will provide additional capital," Bobby said.
The business capital assistance program was positively received by residents. They viewed the initiative as a sign that the government's attention is not focused solely on infrastructure development but also on strengthening local economic activity.
Idasari, a resident of Parjalihotan, thanked the government for its attention to the people of her village. She expressed hope that the support would continue, providing residents with more opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
"Thank you, Governor, for your attention. Hopefully, we will continue to receive this kind of support," Ida said.
The construction of the Parjalihotan Bailey Bridge demonstrates the importance of cooperation between the government, the TNI and local communities in restoring infrastructure damaged by the disaster. Community participation in the construction process is also significant because local residents understand the transportation needs of the routes they use every day.
With the renewed connection between Dusun 6 and Dusun 7, residents now have better access for their daily activities. The bridge is also expected to support education by making it easier for children to reach their schools.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government has committed to continuing infrastructure restoration in disaster-affected areas through 2028. In addition to bridge construction, damaged roads and other infrastructure facilities will be repaired according to conditions and needs on the ground.
Bobby reminded all parties that they should not only use the bridge but also help maintain it and immediately report any damage. Regular inspections are an important step in ensuring that infrastructure built through collaboration remains functional over the long term and continues to benefit the community.
The governor was accompanied at the inauguration by Tapanuli Tengah Regent Masinton Pasaribu; North Sumatra Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Agency Head Chandra Dalimunthe; North Sumatra Education Agency Head Alexander Sinulingga; and Acting Head of the North Sumatra Water Resources Agency Gibson Panjaitan. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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