Public Works Ministry builds Bailey bridge on Jambi-West Sumatra route
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Kementerian PU bangun jembatan Bailey di lintas Jambi-Sumbar
7 March 2025
By Akhirul Anwar
The Ministry of Public Works (PU), through the Jambi National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), is swiftly undertaking emergency measures to address the collapse of the national road connecting Jambi and West Sumatra (Sumbar). This specifically concerns the section Bts. Sumbar Province - Muara Bungo (N.009) STA. 53+000 in Sirih Sekapur Village, Jujuhan District, Bungo Regency, Jambi Province.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, instructed that the handling should be conducted meticulously, always considering safety factors and governance regulations.
"The handling arrangements must be clear; we must ensure this road can be safely used for the upcoming Eid homecoming. We need to find a method that is not only quick but also ensures the road's long-term durability," said Minister Dody, quoted in Jakarta, Wednesday (5/3/2025).
Head of Jambi BPJN, Ibnu Kurniawan, explained that the heavy rainfall since Saturday (1/3) caused the Tukum River to overflow. The existing cross drain or culvert on the road could not handle the water flow, leading to erosion and the road's collapse.
"The damage assessment is still ongoing, but fortunately, there were no casualties. Access from Sumbar to Muara Bungo and vice versa is temporarily cut off, but alternative routes for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles have been communicated to the public," he said.
BPJN Jambi has coordinated with local governments, the Police, TNI, and BPDB to secure the road immediately. BPJN Jambi is also mobilising a bailey bridge or temporary bridge, an excavator, and materials such as sandbags/geobags and box culverts.
"The 30-metre bailey bridge is already on site. The box culverts are expected to arrive on Monday (3/3) morning from Kerinci, and the sandbags/geobags are being sent from Jambi," said Ibnu.
Ibnu mentioned that the current river water level remains high, causing significant congestion in both directions. BPJN Jambi, along with other related parties, is working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly as possible to restore disrupted traffic.
"We estimate that the emergency handling will take about four days, or until Thursday, considering the location still experiences frequent rain," said Ibnu.
Alternative road
Previously, Jambi Governor Al Haris promptly carried out repairs on an alternative road to replace the main central Sumatra road, which was cut off and damaged by flooding on Sunday (2/3).
"We have prepared the Padang Lamo alternative road as a temporary replacement for the central Sumatra road to ensure smooth access for the public," said Al Haris, as quoted by Antara.
He stated that the provincial government has dispatched personnel from the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Equipment and Supplies of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (UPTD Alkal Dinas PUPR) in Jambi Province.
The governor stated that the repairs involve filling potholes, levelling the road at various points, and clearing the road to ensure that users can travel through the alternative route smoothly and safely.
He added that these road repairs are intended to support the Eid homecoming traffic this year, while awaiting the repair of the main road. The alternative route is only suitable for two-wheelers and small-sized cars.
Meanwhile, large vehicles such as Fuso and container trucks are prohibited from using the alternative road due to its insufficient width.
Governor Al Haris mentioned that the Jambi BPJN has coordinated efforts to bring in a Bailey bridge (portable steel frame) to ensure the national road can be operational soon.
Large-tonnage vehicles travelling between Jambi and West Sumatra must temporarily use the Sangir Solok Selatan (Solsel) alternative route.
Contact us
