Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge Built in Majalengka, Residents No Longer Rely on Paid Bamboo Bridge

MAJALENGKA, KOMPAS.com - Joy filled the residents of Kaputren Village, Putridalem, Jatitujuh District, Majalengka Regency, after it was confirmed that the Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge would be built in their village.

The suspension bridge will serve as a vital access point connecting daily activities between the residents of Putridalem and those of Randegan Wetan Village.

On Friday (9/18/2026), the groundbreaking ceremony was held by the Majalengka Military District Commander (Dandim 0617/Majalengka), Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Rendra Dwi Jayanto, alongside Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman, marking the start of construction for the Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge linking the two villages.

Putridalem Village Head, Endah Hendrawari, explained that the community’s access to Randegan Wetan has long been obstructed by a river.

To cross to the opposite bank without taking a long detour, locals usually relied on a bamboo bridge.

However, this bridge was built privately, so those wanting to cross had to pay a fee of Rp 3,000.

"Because it was built privately and not by Putridalem residents, there is a toll: initially Rp 2,000 per crossing, now it’s Rp 3,000," she explained.

The problem didn’t end there; the crossing was not always usable, especially during rainy seasons or when the river’s water levels rose.

Often, the bamboo bridge would be submerged and unusable due to safety concerns.

"When it floods, crossing the bamboo bridge is impossible because it’s underwater," she said.

Long-Awaited by Residents

For this reason, Endah welcomed the upcoming construction of the Perintis Garuda Suspension Bridge in her village.

She said the bridge had been eagerly awaited by the community for a long time.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, she expressed gratitude that their village was chosen by the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) to be the site of the Perintis Garuda Bridge construction.

"The community is very thankful; we hope the bridge will bring benefits to our people," she said.

Dandim 0617/Majalengka, Lt. Col. Inf. Rendra Dwi Jayanto, said the bridge’s construction is a concrete manifestation of the state’s presence among the people.