Binjai, North Sumatra, ABIM (27/8/2023) – President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, along with the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi, Mayors of Medan and Binjai and the Regent of Deli Serdang Ashari Tambunan, inaugurated the Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge on Samosir Island in North Sumatra on Friday (8/25).
President Jokowi said the construction of the bridge with a total length of 382 meters was to support the development of Lake Toba as a Priority National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN)/Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP).
“The Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge was also inaugurated in Samosir Regency, which cost Rp. 173 billion. The main span is 99 meters long and 8 meters wide,” President Jokowi said.
PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that infrastructure development at each KSPN/DPSP was planned in an integrated manner, including zoning, roads, raw and clean water supply, waste management, sanitation, and residential improvement through an infrastructure development master plan.
“The principle is that changing the region’s face is done quickly, comprehensively, and has an impact on the local and national economies,” Minister Basuki stated.
The Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge, according to Junaidi, head of the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN), is the only land access to Samosir Island, which is located in the center of Lake Toba.
“The Aek Tano Ponggol Bridge was scheduled for completion in December 2022.” It was constructed to link the Parapat area to Samosir. So as to encourage tourism on the Samosir side while also breaking down the region’s isolation. The bridge was built to be iconic, with additional beautification elements,” Junaidi explained.
On the main bridge there are 3 spans, with the main span being 99 meters long using the main box girder structure. Meanwhile, the approach bridge also consists of 3 spans with the main structure being prestressed I girder. The construction was carried out by PT Wijaya Karya (Persero).
The Sumatra II River Basin Authority’s (RBO) Directorate General of Water Resources has worked on enlarging the Tano Ponggol canal in addition to building the bridge. Along 1.2 kilometers, the width was from its original 25 meters to 80 meters so that cruise ships could pass.
Accompanying Minister Basuki, Director General of Cipta Karya Diana Kusumastuti, Expert Staff to the Minister of PUPR for Technology, Industry and Environment Endra S. Atmawidjaja, Director of Drinking Water at the Directorate General of Cipta Karya Anang Muchlis, Head of Public Communication Bureau Pantja Dharma Oetojo, Head of BWS Sumatra II Mohammad Firman , Head of BBPJN North Sumatra Junaidi, Head of BPPW North Sumatra Syafriel Tansier.(ABIM)
