Indonesia Inaugurates 3,395 Bridges, 3,000 Clean Water Facilities Nationwide

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday inaugurated 3,395 bridges and 3,000 clean water facilities constructed across the country by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), underscoring the government’s commitment to improving basic infrastructure and public welfare.

Speaking via livestream from the State Palace in Jakarta, President Prabowo virtually presided over a simultaneous inauguration ceremony held in Bayah Barat Village, Lebak District, Banten.

On behalf of the government and the Indonesian people, Prabowo expressed appreciation to TNI and Polri personnel involved in the nationwide development initiatives, with particular recognition for Polri Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak.

The president noted that, under Simanjuntak’s leadership, the Indonesian Army had contributed to expanding access to clean water at more than 7,000 locations across the country since 2020.

Prabowo praised the military and police for their contribution to infrastructure development, describing the projects as evidence of their commitment to improving the welfare of communities throughout Indonesia.

“I am very proud and deeply touched by this achievement,” he said, emphasizing that the initiatives demonstrated Indonesia’s ability to work collectively for the benefit of its people.

“Today, we prove that Indonesia truly is a unified nation. We are a nation that works hand in hand, capable of harnessing our own strengths to serve the prosperity and welfare of the people,” Prabowo said.

He stressed that expanding basic infrastructure was essential to raising living standards across the country’s vast archipelago.

The president also emphasized that efforts to attract investment for large-scale development projects should not overshadow smaller but equally vital initiatives, including bridge construction and the provision of clean water.

“We must keep in mind that the state must always be present for those most in need,” he said.

Earlier, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said that 895 of the newly constructed bridges had been built by 30 regional police forces to strengthen connectivity in rural areas.

He said the bridges would facilitate mobility between villages, improve public safety and provide better access to schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship and economic centers.

The police-built bridges have a combined length of 19.2 kilometers and are expected to benefit approximately two million people living in 1,314 villages across Indonesia.

The nationwide infrastructure initiative reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to expand access to essential services and strengthen connectivity, particularly in underserved and rural communities.