Pongpet Bridge Closed After Tilting During Inauguration by Pangandaran Regent

The Pongpet suspension bridge tilted during its inauguration in Pangandaran, turning a ribbon-cutting ceremony into an immediate safety closure. The incident occurred as Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami, military officials and residents crossed the bridge in West Java.

The bridge spans the Cijulang River and links Margacinta, Cibanteng and Cimindi villages. It also forms part of a tourist route in the area. Police public information officer Aiptu Yusdiana said the bridge remained closed after the incident and identified the local military command as responsible for it.

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It is still closed.

The Indonesian Army disputed descriptions that the bridge had completely collapsed. Its information service said around 50 people crossed at the same time, exceeding the specified capacity. The load caused the suspension cable on the left side to come loose from its main anchor, leaving the bridge tilted.

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As reported by several media outlets, the condition was described as the bridge having collapsed. To clarify, what occurred was not the collapse or complete failure of the bridge structure.

The army said the bridge's main structure remained in place. It also said Kodim 0625/Pangandaran had briefed residents before the bridge opened and posted signs explaining its capacity and usage rules. Those limits were not followed amid the crowd's enthusiasm after the inauguration ceremony.

Kodim 0625/Pangandaran and the Pangandaran Public Works Department began work after the incident. The bridge will not reopen until repairs and a technical evaluation confirm that it is safe and fit for use.

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The bridge is currently not open to the public and is still undergoing repairs and a technical evaluation to ensure its safety and suitability before it can be used again.