Indonesian Army, Locals Build Bridge for Agricultural Access

In Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, a collaborative effort between Indonesian soldiers and local residents is underway to construct a vital concrete bridge. This initiative, part of a presidential assistance program, aims to significantly improve access for farmers in the Tambakromo village of Ponjong.

The project, which has been ongoing for two weeks using a gotong royong (mutual cooperation) system, is nearing 40% completion. Local officials, including the Regent of Gunungkidul, Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih, and the Commander of Kodim 0730/Gunungkidul, Letkol Inf Alfian Yudha Praniawan, have visited the site. The bridge is crucial for the local economy, connecting agricultural areas to main transportation routes and benefiting approximately 50 farming households.

Commander Praniawan highlighted that the program is directly overseen by the Army Chief of Staff, who has ordered TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) units to engage with communities to identify and address urgent infrastructure needs. He praised the community's participation, emphasizing that such cooperation directly enhances the welfare of local farmers. Technical aspects of the bridge design were determined by a central construction team, with similar projects being implemented elsewhere, including the Garuda Bridge in Nglebak.