Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the purchase of 100 Bailey bridges from overseas to accelerate post-disaster reconstruction efforts in Sumatra, the army chief said on Monday.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak said the directive came directly from the president and will be executed through the Defense Ministry to support recovery in areas hit by recent natural disasters.

“On the president’s direct instruction, through the Defense Ministry, we will source 100 Bailey bridges from abroad to support disaster recovery,” Maruli told a press conference at the integrated command post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.

Maruli did not disclose the budget allocated for the procurement or identify the countries from which the temporary steel bridges will be imported. He said the decision was taken to address shortages of Bailey bridges in disaster-affected regions, particularly in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh.

The imported bridges are also expected to be deployed in other parts of Indonesia affected by natural disasters, as the government strengthens its rapid-response infrastructure capacity.

“These bridges may also be used in other regions across Indonesia,” Maruli said.

According to the army, dozens of Bailey bridges are currently being built or installed as part of ongoing recovery efforts. Of 44 bridges listed under current operations, 12 have been completed, 15 are en route to their destinations, and six are being installed, with the remainder still being assembled.

In addition to Bailey bridges, the Indonesian Army has constructed Aramco-type modular bridges and suspension bridges to restore mobility and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid and logistics in affected areas.

“The number of Aramco bridges has increased to 47 locations. Six have been completed, three are under installation, and the rest are still being shipped,” Maruli said. He added that requests have also been made for suspension bridges, which, while limited in capacity, can still accommodate motorcycles and are useful for transporting supplies.

Bridge construction and repairs are a critical component of Indonesia’s post-disaster recovery, as damaged transport links often hamper aid distribution and reconstruction work. The Army’s efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Public Works Ministry, the National Police and local communities, in a cross-sector push to restore access as quickly as possible.

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