Ministry of Public Works Encourages River Normalization, Complete Handling of Meureudu Pidie Jaya Bridge Oprit

Pidie Jaya, December 2025 – The Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to accelerate the recovery of national road infrastructure after flash floods in Aceh Province. Until December 26 2025, a number of strategic sections have been connected and passable again, although with traffic arrangements and alternative routes at several points.

Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that post-disaster emergency management is a top priority for restoring social and economic activities in the community. “Our focus is to open access as quickly as possible, secure river channels, and prevent community isolation. With the support of heavy equipment and cross-sector coordination, we ensure that handling is effective and on target,” stressed Minister Dody.

One of the significant achievements is the completion of the operation of the Meureudu Bridge on the Meureudu – Pidie Jaya/Bireuen Regency Boundary Section. The bridge which had experienced an open collapse has returned to normal function since December 12 2025 after an intensive filling and repair process by the Aceh National Road Implementation Center (BPJN).

When inspecting the location, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works, Wida Nurfaida, stated that this emergency repair was the first step to restore regional connectivity. “In the future, medium and long term solutions are needed, such as the construction of duplicate bridges, to increase infrastructure capacity and resilience against similar disaster risks,” said Secretary General Wida.

Furthermore, Secretary General Wida asked the Sumatra I Aceh River Basin Center (BWS) to immediately normalize the Meureudu River. This step is important to reduce sedimentation, control flooding, and protect road and bridge infrastructure in areas prone to hydrometeorological disasters.

The progress of restoration of the national road section in Aceh, namely the Meureudu – Pidie Jaya/Bireuen border section: is fully functional. The Lhokseumawe/North Aceh City – Langsa City Boundary Section is now passable after cleaning the sediment. The Langsa City – Kuala Simpang City section is now passable after cleaning the sediment. The Kuala Simpang City – North Sumatra Province Boundary section is functional for all vehicles (limited signal access). The Bireuen City – Bireuen/North Aceh border section has been connected via the Bailey Bridge at Awe Geutah (limited access since 19 December 2025).

Installation of the Bailey Bridge on the Krueng Tingkeum Bridge is targeted for completion on 27 December 2025. The Bireuen City – Boundary Bener Meriah section has been connected since 18 December 2025 thanks to the Bailey Bridge on the Teupin Mane Bridge and landslide management. The Genting Gate – Celala – Central Aceh/Nagan Raya Boundary Section has been functional since December 24 2025. And the Central Aceh/Gayo Lues – Blangkejeren Boundary Section, Blangkejeren – Southeast Aceh Boundary, and Kutacane City – North Sumatra Boundary where everything is connected and can be passed by two- and four-wheeled vehicles.

This infrastructure restoration shows the Ministry of Public Works’ commitment to ensuring connectivity and supporting the economic recovery of the people of Aceh after the disaster. Ongoing efforts will focus on river management and increasing infrastructure resilience to mitigate future disasters.

This work program is part of “A Year of Working, Moving – Having an Impact” in implementing President Prabowo Subianto’s ASTA CITA.

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