Barito Utara Government Supports Garuda Bridge To Open Rural Access

Saputra Berry    Monday, April 06, 2026    Comment   

Barito Utara Government Supports Garuda Bridge To Open Rural Access

Barito Utara Government supports construction of Garuda Bridge in Liang Buah Village to improve public access and accelerate regional development.

BARITO UTARA – The Barito Utara Regency Government in Central Kalimantan has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating regional development by supporting the construction of the Garuda Suspension Bridge in Liang Buah Village, Teweh Baru District.

The bridge is expected to become a practical solution for residents who have long faced transportation challenges, particularly when accessing public services and economic centers.

Deputy Regent of Barito Utara, Felix Sonadie Y Tingan, said the Garuda Bridge construction is part of a national government program designed to strengthen inter-regional connectivity.

“The Garuda Bridge, built as part of a central government program, is expected to serve as a vital connection between regions, especially for communities that still face transportation limitations,” Felix said during the groundbreaking ceremony in Liang Buah Village on Monday.

A Symbol Of Commitment To Equal Development

According to Felix, infrastructure development remains a top priority in driving regional progress. This commitment is reflected in the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction of the Garuda Bridge, which will cross the Teweh River, a tributary of the Barito River.

He emphasized that the groundbreaking ceremony was not merely symbolic but represented a shared commitment to improving connectivity in areas that were previously difficult to access.

“With the presence of the Garuda Bridge, we hope to make community mobility easier, facilitate the distribution of goods and services, and create new economic opportunities for residents in the surrounding areas,” he said.

The regional government also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the planning and implementation stages of the project.

Felix reminded project contractors to maintain construction quality standards, prioritize workplace safety, and complete the project according to schedule.

Improving Access To Education And Healthcare

Commander of Military District Command (Kodim) 1013 Muara Teweh, Lt. Col. Inf. Nurwahid, emphasized the strategic importance of the Garuda Bridge construction for local communities.

He explained that the bridge would significantly improve accessibility in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic activities.

“With this bridge, residents will find it easier to reach public facilities such as schools, markets, and healthcare centers,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the project would improve the welfare of residents in Liang Buah Village and nearby areas while accelerating local economic growth.

Supporting Local Economy And Reducing Isolation

The Garuda Bridge construction is expected to become a strategic step toward reducing regional isolation in Barito Utara.

In addition to improving mobility, the bridge is projected to open new business opportunities, streamline the distribution of agricultural products, and increase trade activity between regions.

“With the start of Garuda Bridge construction, we hope there will be no more isolated areas, and all residents can benefit equally from development,” Nurwahid added.

Infrastructure development such as this bridge plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and equitable development across rural areas.

FAQ

1. What is the main function of the Garuda Bridge?
The Garuda Bridge is designed to connect regions, making transportation easier and improving access to public services and economic activities.

2. Where is the Garuda Bridge being built?
The bridge is being constructed in Liang Buah Village, Teweh Baru District, Barito Utara Regency, crossing the Teweh River.

3. Who supports the Garuda Bridge construction?
The project is supported by the Barito Utara Government, central government programs, and related institutions including the military.

4. What benefits will residents receive from the bridge?
Residents will gain easier access to education, healthcare, trade, and other public services.

5. Why is the bridge considered important?
Because several areas remain isolated, and the bridge will help improve connectivity and promote balanced regional development.

Pulau Laut Bridge Construction Begins, South Kalimantan Allocates $144 Million Annually

Ria Sartika    Tuesday, March 31, 2026    Comment   

Pulau Laut Bridge Construction Begins, South Kalimantan Allocates $144 Million Annually

Pulau Laut Bridge construction begins in 2026–2028 with a $432 million budget, boosting connectivity and economic growth in South Kalimantan.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government has officially launched the construction of the Pulau Laut Bridge under a multiyear scheme spanning 2026 to 2028. This major infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Tanah Bumbu Regency and Kotabaru Regency.

The project officially kicked off following the signing of a construction contract by the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of South Kalimantan, M. Yasin Toyib, and the contractor. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Governor Muhidin in Banjarbaru on Monday.

Zero Tolerance for Delays

Governor Muhidin emphasized that the project must proceed without any delays.

“The contract has been signed, which means the contractor must be ready to start immediately. There is no room for delays,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of contractor professionalism, including readiness of equipment, human resources, and project management systems. These factors are considered critical to ensuring the project stays on schedule.

Multiyear Budget Scheme and Central Government Support

The Pulau Laut Bridge construction is planned over three years with a total regional budget of approximately $432 million, or about $144 million per year.

Budget breakdown:

• $317 million from the South Kalimantan provincial budget

• $57 million from Tanah Bumbu Regency

• $57 million from Kotabaru Regency

In addition, the project will receive support from the central government through the Ministry of Public Works, with an estimated allocation of around $576 million under a multiyear scheme until 2028.

This combination of funding places the project among strategic national infrastructure initiatives involving both regional and central government collaboration.

Driving Connectivity and Economic Growth

The Pulau Laut Bridge is expected to become a long-term solution to improve mobility and logistics in South Kalimantan.

Currently, transportation between Tanah Bumbu and Kotabaru relies heavily on sea routes, which are often time-consuming and costly.

With the bridge in place:

• Travel time will be significantly reduced

• Logistics costs are expected to decrease

• Economic activities will increase

• Regional investment opportunities will grow

Governor Muhidin also highlighted the need for better budget absorption early in the project timeline, noting that previous projects often experienced slow spending in the initial phases.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

As a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project, the provincial government has committed to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout its execution.

Strict supervision will be implemented to ensure the construction meets technical standards and avoids any potential irregularities.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the Pulau Laut Bridge?
It is a major infrastructure project connecting Tanah Bumbu and Kotabaru in South Kalimantan.

2. What is the total budget for the project?
Approximately $432 million from regional budgets, plus around $576 million from the central government.

3. When will the project be completed?
The construction is scheduled to be completed between 2026 and 2028.

4. What are the main benefits of the bridge?
Improved connectivity, lower logistics costs, and increased regional economic growth.

5. Who is overseeing the project?
The South Kalimantan Provincial Government in coordination with relevant agencies and the central government.

West Kalimantan Prioritizes Severely Damaged Roads to Maintain Regional Connectivity

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 30, 2026    Comment   

West Kalimantan Prioritizes Severely Damaged Roads to Maintain Regional Connectivity

West Kalimantan prioritizes repairing severely damaged roads to maintain regional connectivity and economic distribution despite limited budget capacity.

Pontianak – The West Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov Kalbar) has reaffirmed that improving provincial road infrastructure remains a top priority, despite ongoing budget constraints.

Governor of West Kalimantan, Ria Norsan, emphasized that the current focus is on handling severely damaged road sections to ensure they remain functional.

“Handling provincial roads remains a priority. We are focusing on heavily damaged road sections so they can still be used and regional connectivity is maintained,” Norsan said in Pontianak on Sunday.

Focus on Mobility and Economic Distribution

This policy is aimed at maintaining smooth community mobility and the distribution of goods across regions. Under current fiscal efficiency measures, the provincial government is implementing gradual and well-planned road improvements.

The approach prioritizes functional repairs rather than immediate permanent reconstruction.

“We understand the public’s expectations for permanent repairs. However, under current budget efficiency, improvements are carried out gradually. The key is ensuring roads remain usable,” he explained.

2025 Infrastructure Program Implementation

As a concrete step, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government has:

• Reactivated road and bridge maintenance units

• Upgraded road construction covering 40.30 kilometers

• Improved 22 road segments across multiple districts/cities in the 2025 fiscal year

Additionally, the government is strengthening supporting infrastructure through:

• Irrigation networks covering 9,172 hectares

• Drainage normalization spanning 1,035 kilometers

These efforts aim to support agricultural productivity and strengthen regional food security.

Infrastructure Challenges: Weather to Heavy Loads

Norsan acknowledged that infrastructure development in West Kalimantan faces several challenges, including:

• High rainfall

• Complex geographical conditions

• Heavy vehicle loads

These factors accelerate road damage, requiring adaptive and sustainable maintenance strategies.

Gradual Commitment and Public Participation

Despite limitations, the provincial government remains committed to improving road quality gradually, in line with regional financial capacity.

Public participation is also encouraged as part of development oversight. “We appreciate public feedback. Community support is essential to ensure infrastructure development runs optimally,” Norsan added.

Looking ahead, the government expects infrastructure improvements to enhance:

• Road safety

• Travel comfort

• Regional connectivity

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why aren’t roads being permanently repaired yet?
Due to budget limitations, the government prioritizes functional repairs to keep roads accessible.

2. How many roads will be improved in 2025?
Around 40.30 kilometers across 22 road segments.

3. What is the main focus of the infrastructure policy?
Maintaining regional connectivity and ensuring smooth economic distribution.

4. What are the main challenges?
High rainfall, difficult terrain, and heavy vehicle loads.

5. Can the public participate in monitoring?
Yes, the government encourages public feedback and oversight.