Parents Carry Children Across River to Attend Exams in Aceh Barat

In Aceh Barat, Indonesia, students are undertaking a challenging daily commute to attend their final exams, wading through the Meureubo River. The journey is necessary because the suspension bridge connecting their villages, Canggai and Jambak, has been damaged since a severe flood in November 2025 and remains unrepaired.

For the past four days, students of SDN Alue Lhok have had to navigate the river to reach their school. This arduous crossing is a shortcut, saving them an eight-kilometer detour. The damaged bridge has disrupted normal access between the villages, forcing this difficult alternative for the students to participate in their end-of-year assessments.

Parents are actively involved in ensuring their children can reach school, with some carrying them on their shoulders to cross the river. Images show parents guiding their children through the water, highlighting the dedication to education despite the difficult circumstances. The situation underscores the ongoing impact of the flood and the urgent need for infrastructure repair in the region.

The necessity of crossing the river for exams emphasizes the students' commitment to their education and the lengths to which families are going to ensure they do not miss crucial academic milestones. The unrepaired bridge remains a significant obstacle for the community, impacting daily life and access to essential services like education.