INDOPOSCO.ID – President Prabowo Subianto said that the flash floods and landslides that swept across three provinces—Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra—have become one of the biggest tests in the first year of his administration.
During an inspection of the construction of a Bailey bridge—an emergency portable bridge—at the Teupin Mane River in Bireuen District, Aceh, on Sunday (Dec. 7, 2025), Prabowo delivered a message of encouragement to Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf and Bireuen Regent Mukhlis Takabeya.
“This is a disaster and a challenge. All of us—president, governor, and regent—have only been in office for one year. But we were elected to face and resolve difficulties like this,” Prabowo said.
The President reviewed progress on the Teupin Mane Bailey bridge, a crucial link between Bireuen and Takengon in Central Aceh. The 30-meter temporary bridge is expected to restore road access that was cut off by severe flooding and strong river currents.
Upon arriving at the site, Prabowo inspected the construction area along the riverbank, observing heavy machinery—including excavators and loaders—working to reinforce the foundation and arrange layers of large stones for the bridge’s approach.
“We can see that the Bailey bridge construction is ongoing. The target is for it to open within a week. From here, three more bridges will be built heading toward Bener Meriah and Takengon,” Prabowo said, as quoted by Antara.
The President emphasized that the government is deploying all efforts to restore logistics routes and community mobility.
In addition to the bridge project, Prabowo also received reports on other damaged infrastructure, including breached dams and destroyed farmland.
“We were informed that many dams have burst. The Public Works Ministry will repair them immediately. Damaged rice fields will also be rehabilitated. Farmers need not worry—everything will be restored,” he assured. (aro)
