After drawing attention, Budiharja raft crossing site is marked for a bridge

A proposed bridge in Budiharja, West Bandung, has moved closer to reality after workers surveyed the area and installed markers showing where it could be built.

“

Yes, markers were installed yesterday. The bridge markers are at Saung, and that is the site.

The bridge would connect Kampung Sadang with SDN Budiharja in Kampung Gombong. For now, schoolchildren cross 248 meters of Saguling Reservoir on bamboo rafts because the land route winds for 2.28 kilometers.

Agus Sumpena, the local neighborhood chief, said workers installed the markers and determined the construction coordinates on Saturday. He said residents have long taken turns pulling the raft and escorting children to school and bringing them home, entirely as volunteers.

“

Myself and several residents take turns escorting them. We take them and pick them up too. We volunteer to help the children.

Parents remain worried about the crossing, particularly during the rainy season. Santi Nur Setiani said her child leaves home shortly after 6 a.m. because the raft route is faster and the family does not have a motorcycle. She said she fears the child could slip or fall into the deep water.

“

Usually we leave home shortly after six. The road is a long detour, and we do not have a motorcycle, so this route is faster.

School principal Taufik said 16 students still use the raft, including three first-graders, four second-graders and three third-graders. The school day requires students to arrive by 6:30 a.m.

“

I worry because they could slip. During the rainy season, they play and joke with their friends while riding the raft. I wish there were a bridge.