President Prabowo Subianto has asserted the establishment of a Bridge Emergency Task Force as a prompt and efficacious strategy aimed at guaranteeing the secure passage of students to educational institutions.
During his address at the ceremony marking the 2025 National Teachers Day, Prabowo conveyed his apprehension regarding the numerous students who continue to endanger themselves by traversing rivers to attend school.
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"There are small bridges, some are crossing bridges. We are currently designing these, my children. Please be patient, I am working on it. Hopefully, all the bridges will be built next year," he promised.
This action is a response to feedback and research findings from the general public concerning the inadequate road networks in remote regions of Indonesia.
The leader highlighted the importance of government prioritization of bridge construction to facilitate advancements in education.
He observed that there is a national need for 300,000 units of bridge construction.
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To reach this goal, the president has delegated the task to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, to coordinate the deployment of civil engineering professionals for the construction of the substantial number of bridges required.
Additionally, Prabowo underscored the significant contribution of the Indonesian military and National Police in building bridges, involving the utilization of Engineering and Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) personnel to support rural communities.
"Deploy Engineering battalions to assist. I also ask the police to get their hands on, including Brimob to assist the people. Addressing this bridge problem is a priority, because I do not want children risking their lives every day to go to school," the president stated.
He stated that bureaucratic methods such as feasibility studies and seminars would not be used in this undertaking.
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“We are not talking about feasibility studies or seminars; it takes too long. Our children really need it, and we have to respond”, he pointed out.
Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto stressed the importance of Indonesia not relying on other nations to protect the security and future of the country. Prabowo emphasized the significance of Indonesia being self-sufficient in the face of uncertainties in global geopolitics and geoeconomics.
The President emphasized the importance of the government acting with good intentions, promoting truth and justice, and enacting policies that are transparent, logical, and beneficial to the people. He believes that all strategies should be implemented with calmness, certainty, and a resolute desire for self-sufficiency.
The leader is hopeful that by demonstrating unwavering dedication and resolve, the economy can be effectively controlled to avoid dependency on other countries. Moreover, the President emphasized the importance of implementing policies quickly and efficiently at this time.