Jakarta. A 46-year-old midwife named Dona Lubis bravely crossed the strong currents of the Batang Pasaman River in West Sumatra to treat a Tuberculosis (TB) patient in Kejorongan Sinuangon, Nagari (Village) Cubadak Barat, Dua Koto Subdistrict, Pasaman Regency.

Dona Lubis said she was forced to wade through the river because the village’s connecting bridge had collapsed on Friday. Her courageous journey has since gone viral across various social media platforms.

“There was a TB patient who needed treatment in Kejorongan Sinuangon. But along the way, I found out the bridge was down. I had no choice but to descend into the river, cross the steep cliffside, and brave the river’s current,” Dona told Antara on Sunday.

It was quite a long journey. Dona’s clothes, soaked after crossing the river, dried completely on the way to Kejorongan Sinuangon. Still, she did not give up, as it was part of her dedication as a healthcare worker.

“My clothes dried on my body during the trip. This is a challenge for us as healthcare workers in saving lives. But this is our commitment -- to reach the patients’ homes and save lives,” she added.

Dona explained that Kejorongan Sinuangon and Kejorongan Batang Kundur in Nagari Cubadak Barat are remote areas on the outer edges of Dua Koto Subdistrict in Pasaman.

These two areas are connected by a bridge over the Batang Pasaman River, which is the only transportation route to Kejorongan Sinuangon and Kejorongan Batang Kundur. However, the bridge collapsed on Friday, isolating dozens of households who are now unable to cross the river.

“Hopefully, this will receive serious attention in the future so that healthcare services can be delivered properly,” she said.

The wooden bridge, made of timber beams and plank flooring, spanned 15 meters. A local resident, Sumarno, said the bridge was vital to the local economy. Its collapse has caused the price of basic goods to surge by up to 150%.

Transportation costs have also skyrocketed, with motorcycle taxi or ojek fares increasing from the usual Rp 100,000 to Rp 250,000 ($6-$15) per person. The prices of other essentials have also risen drastically.

Meanwhile, the Head of Cubadak Barat Village, Kesria Novi, stated that she had visited the site to take immediate action for a temporary emergency bridge. Kesria Novi also said she had coordinated with the Pasaman Regency Government for further response and assistance.

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