KBRN, Jakarta: Following a flash flood last month, the Ombilin Cultural Heritage Site in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, was badly damaged.

During the site inspection, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that the Ministry will undertake repairs, focusing on the bridge and railway track, which were harmed by movement foundations.

"We will meet with artists and other cultural practitioners, and visit several world heritage sites, such as the Ombilin Coal Mine, the bridge, and the associated track, to see firsthand what interventions are needed," said Minister Fadli in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

He explained that the bridge, which is also part of the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage site, was designated by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2019. The Ministry of Culture expressed hope that the site can be repaired with adequately tested reinforcements.

After discussions with relevant parties, including representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Minister Fadli said that repair measures such as raising the height of roads, bridges, or railway lines are needed to anticipate overflow from waterfalls that block roads during rain.

"As soon as we have the sketches, we will receive feedback as soon as possible. We can then determine if this bridge needs reinforcement, perhaps even raising it to meet requirements," he said.

The Anai Valley Railway Bridge is an iconic part of the Ombilin Coal Mine Site in Sawahlunto. Despite being damaged by disasters such as flash floods, several communities have opposed the planned demolition of the railway bridge located in the Anai Valley area, West Sumatra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In response to the increasing debate over the site's condition, the Ministry of Culture quickly carried out a feasibility assessment with specialists to identify the best course of action for remediation while preserving the value of this World Cultural Heritage site.

The Ombilin site includes Dutch mining infrastructure, one of the oldest coal mines in Southeast Asia, a railway system, and urban centers that make up a distinct industrial landscape, in addition to the socio-cultural history of the diverse workforce there. ***