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.

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.

East Kalimantan DPRD Finalizes Mahakam River Ship Mooring Plan

Saputra Berry    Sunday, March 29, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan DPRD Finalizes Mahakam River Ship Mooring Plan

DPRD Kaltim finalizes Mahakam River mooring regulations to prevent pontoon accidents, protect bridges, and boost regional revenue.

Amid a rise in uncontrolled pontoon incidents, DPRD Kalimantan Timur is stepping up efforts to reorganize ship mooring points along the Mahakam River. The move is seen as crucial to improving navigation safety while protecting key regional infrastructure.

Chairman of the DPRD, Hasanuddin Mas'ud, stressed that the initiative goes beyond administrative measures—it is a strategic effort to safeguard state assets.

“This is a serious concern for all of us. Without proper regulation, drifting pontoons could collide with bridges. The impact would be severe for connectivity and the regional economy,” he said in Samarinda on Saturday.

Growing Risks to Critical Bridges

Hasanuddin highlighted recurring cases where pontoon mooring lines snap, posing a direct threat to major infrastructure such as Mahulu Bridge and Mahakam Bridge.

Both bridges play a vital role in supporting daily mobility and economic activity in East Kalimantan, making them highly sensitive to potential damage.

Strict Mooring Standards Proposed

To address the issue, DPRD is pushing for strict standardization of mooring locations, including:

• Safe Positioning: Located outside main shipping lanes

• Safe Distance: Away from bridges and narrow river bends

• Technical Capacity: Adequate water depth to accommodate large vessels

These measures are expected to reduce accident risks and create a more orderly navigation system.

AIS and Inaportnet to Strengthen Monitoring

To eliminate monitoring gaps, DPRD is also promoting the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology integrated with the Inaportnet system.

This setup enables real-time tracking of vessel movements through digital monitoring systems.

“In emergency situations, such as a snapped mooring line at night, AIS can provide early warnings so authorities can respond quickly before the vessel drifts further,” Hasanuddin explained.

Additionally, patrol vessels will be stationed at strategic points to conduct 24/7 surveillance along the river.

Boosting Regional Revenue Potential

Beyond safety improvements, the policy is also expected to unlock new revenue streams.

Currently, many mooring points operate without formal regulation. By legalizing and certifying these locations, they could contribute significantly to regional original revenue (PAD) and non-tax state revenue (PNBP).

“If these mooring points are properly regulated and certified, the revenue potential is substantial,” he added.

Collaboration with State and Regional Enterprises

A total of 33 mooring points are currently under review for structured management. The plan involves collaboration between state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and regionally owned enterprises (BUMD).

Areas such as Sungai Kunjang and Sungai Lais have emerged as initial options. However, discussions are still in early stages and will be further reviewed by DPRD commissions in coordination with relevant authorities.

FAQ

1. Why is mooring point regulation important?
To prevent drifting pontoons from causing accidents or damaging bridges and disrupting navigation.

2. What is AIS in maritime operations?
AIS is a digital vessel tracking system that monitors ship positions in real time.

3. What are the economic benefits of this policy?
It can increase regional revenue (PAD) and non-tax state income (PNBP).

4. How many mooring points are under review?
A total of 33 mooring points are currently being assessed.

5. Who will manage these mooring points?
They will likely be managed through collaboration between BUMN and BUMD entities.

Banjarmasin Revises Cusa Bridge Design, Targets Completion for Public Use

Ria Sartika    Monday, March 23, 2026    Comment   

Banjarmasin Revises Cusa Bridge Design, Targets Completion for Public Use

Banjarmasin revises Cusa Bridge design to fix access road issues. Project aims to ensure safety and open soon for public use.

The Banjarmasin city government is pushing forward with the completion of the Cemara Ujung–Sungai Andai Bridge, better known as the Cusa Bridge, located in North Banjarmasin.

But here’s the situation—while the main bridge structure was actually completed by the end of 2025, the bridge still can’t be used by the public.

The issue? The access road, or what’s known as the “oprit.”

Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (PUPR), Suri Sudarmadiyah, said the city is now preparing design changes to finalize construction on that critical section.

Why Does the Design Need to Be Revised?

According to Suri, the redesign isn’t random. It’s necessary due to construction adjustments, especially on the riverbank side of the bridge.

This move also follows a compliance audit conducted by the Banjarmasin City Inspectorate, based on a request from the local prosecutor’s office.

So basically, this isn’t just a technical tweak—it’s also about making sure everything meets legal and engineering standards.

“These design changes are necessary to ensure the bridge matches actual field conditions, especially near the riverbanks,” Suri explained.

Experts Involved, Full Technical Review Underway

The city isn’t taking any shortcuts here. The Public Works Office has involved experts to ensure the bridge is safe and reliable.

A geotechnical study had already been carried out by academics from Lambung Mangkurat University. However, based on audit recommendations, the original project planner has been asked to conduct a full design review.

The updated study includes:

• Hydraulic analysis

• Hydrology analysis

• Riverbank erosion risk assessment

All of this is crucial to make sure the bridge can withstand environmental pressures and remain safe long-term.

Project Budget and Construction Phases

The Cusa Bridge project has been carried out in two phases:

• 2024: approximately IDR 21 billion

• 2025: approximately IDR 3.2 billion

In total, the project spans around IDR 24.2 billion.

The bridge itself stretches 260 meters, with a main span of 80 meters, and features a modern suspension bridge design.

A Key Solution to Traffic Congestion

This bridge is considered a major solution for traffic issues, especially in the Sungai Andai area.

With a population of around 30,000 people, the area currently relies on just one bridge for access to the city.

No surprise—traffic congestion has been a daily problem.

That’s why the Cusa Bridge, often referred to as Sungai Andai Bridge 2, is expected to significantly ease traffic flow once it’s operational.

What the City Hopes to Achieve

With the updated design and deeper technical studies, the city government hopes the project can move forward smoothly.

The goal isn’t just to finish construction—but to ensure the bridge is safe, durable, and fully functional for years to come.

FAQ

1. Why is the Cusa Bridge not open yet?
Because the access road (oprit) is not fully completed and requires design adjustments.

2. What is an “oprit”?
It’s the connecting road between the bridge and the main land road.

3. When will the bridge be completed?
There’s no confirmed date yet, as the project is still undergoing redesign and technical review.

4. What is the total project budget?
Around IDR 24.2 billion.

5. Why is this bridge important?
It will reduce traffic congestion and improve access for residents in Sungai Andai.