Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto on Monday inaugurated 218 bridges built across disaster-affected and remote regions of Indonesia, highlighting the government’s push to improve connectivity and safety in underserved areas.

The bridges, completed within about two and a half months, consist of 77 Bailey bridges, 59 Armco bridges, and 82 pioneer bridges designed to restore access and support local communities.

Prabowo described the rapid completion of the bridges as an extraordinary achievement, praising the joint efforts of Indonesian military personnel and local officials who worked to rebuild infrastructure in affected areas.

“The inauguration of 218 bridges completed within two and a half months is, in my view, an extraordinary achievement,” he said. “This reflects the dedication of our soldiers and all officers working in disaster-hit regions and other areas that urgently require these bridges.”

The president said the new infrastructure would help improve safety and access for residents in isolated villages, particularly schoolchildren who previously had to cross rivers under dangerous conditions.

“Now I can sleep more peacefully knowing that children in remote villages no longer have to cross rivers in dangerous situations just to get to school,” he said. “They no longer have to sit in class with wet clothes after crossing rivers, or return home from school in the same condition.”

Prabowo added that small suspension bridges in remote areas may appear modest in size, but they play a crucial strategic role in connecting communities and supporting everyday economic and social activities.

“These suspension bridges in remote areas may only be a few meters wide and long, but they are strategically important for the government I lead,” he said. “The interests of the people are our top priority.”

He said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to reaching even the most isolated communities across the archipelago.

“The government of the Republic of Indonesia is present down to the smallest level, to villages and hamlets,” Prabowo said. “The government will not leave its people to face difficulties alone.”