Residents of Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, have reopened the Enang-Enang Bridge after raising more than IDR 1 billion through community donations to repair infrastructure damaged by floods and landslides in late 2025.
The bridge, located in Pintu Rime District, officially reopened on Thursday (2 July), following months of community-led reconstruction efforts. A video circulating online captured emotional scenes as local residents gathered for the reopening ceremony, with several people seen wiping away tears as vehicles crossed the bridge once again.
The Enang-Enang Bridge is part of a national road that serves as one of the main gateways to the Gayo Highlands. Since it was severely damaged during floods and landslides triggered by extreme weather in November 2025, residents had been forced to use longer alternative routes, affecting the transport of agricultural products as well as access to schools and healthcare facilities.
The hydrometeorological disasters that struck Aceh at the end of November 2025 included floods, flash floods and landslides associated with Tropical Cyclone Senyar. The impact of the disaster was further compounded by environmental degradation in several affected areas.
Community Raises More Than Rp 1 Billion for Repairs
The reconstruction project was initiated by local community leader Sahrial Abadi after residents became frustrated by the lack of government repairs to the damaged bridge and road.
According to Sahrial, the project was funded entirely through public donations without support from the national, provincial or regency budgets.
“We officially open the road today; the asphalting and bridge repairs are complete. Thank you to everyone who has helped,” Sahrial said on Thursday (2 July), as quoted by Kompas.com.
He explained that the fundraising campaign collected more than IDR 1 billion from residents and supporters who wanted to restore the area’s main transport route.
“Currently, Rp 526,000,000 has been spent, and there is still around Rp 555,000,000 remaining that will be used for the construction of retaining walls, places of worship, and other facilities,” he said.
Sahrial added that the bridge’s reopening marked the fulfilment of a long-awaited hope for the local community.
“This road is officially open and can be used by the public after the paving process is complete. Thank you to everyone who has helped,” he said, his voice trembling.
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Residents Hope for Permanent Government Infrastructure
Beyond reconnecting surrounding villages, the reopening of the Enang-Enang Bridge restores an essential route for farmers transporting produce from the Gayo Highlands and for residents travelling to schools, healthcare centres and public services.
Sahrial said the successful reconstruction reflected the strong tradition of mutual cooperation among local residents, who worked together to restore infrastructure considered vital to daily life and the regional economy.
Although the temporary repairs have restored access, residents continue to hope that the government will construct a permanent bridge capable of withstanding future natural disasters and providing safer, long-term transport infrastructure for communities in the area.
The reopening ceremony also served as a reminder of the role local communities can play in disaster recovery, with residents demonstrating how collective action helped reconnect an area that had remained isolated for months.
