KBRN, Jakarta: As flood and landslide recovery continues across Sumatra, the Indonesian government and the military are accelerating efforts to restore vital infrastructure. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak reported on Monday, December 29, 2025, significant progress in repairing damaged bridges while also announcing a major procurement of Bailey bridges to strengthen future disaster response.

General Maruli, who also serves as Commander of the Bridge Task Force for Disaster Response in Sumatra, revealed that the Ministry of Defense has ordered 100 Bailey bridges from overseas suppliers. Installation is expected to begin between January and February 2026.

“These bridges are rarely available as ready stock. The Ministry of Defense coordinated with several countries to identify available supplies, and we purchased them to meet urgent needs," General Maruli told a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by Antara. 

He added that his team is preparing designated sites for deployment in disaster-hit areas. “If we have more than needed, we’ll use them elsewhere. This also gives us the idea of maintaining a stockpile of Bailey bridges for future emergencies or regional development,” he said.

Maruli also updated the public on ongoing recovery operations in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, where floods and landslides had severed key transport links. Of the 44 Bailey bridges identified for repair, 12 have been completed, 15 are en route, six are currently being installed, and the remainder are being assembled.

Beyond Bailey bridges, the military, in collaboration with ministries and volunteers, is also deploying prefabricated Armco steel-frame bridges and suspension bridges. “Armco bridges are increasing, 47 sites so far, with six completed, three under installation, and others in delivery. We’re also working on 11 suspension bridges, three of which are being installed while surveys continue for the rest,” Maruli noted.

The press briefing at the air base was led by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to outline the collaborative efforts between the government, TNI, and National Police across the three affected provinces. 

Key officials present included Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian.

Other notable attendees providing reports included Deputy Social Affairs Minister Agus Jabo Priyono and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Spokesperson Abdul Muhari. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya was also present to observe the progress of the disaster response initiatives in the Sumatra region. ***