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.

It also supports the President’s mandate to build 2,500 bridges across Indonesia through the TNI AD’s (Army) integration program.

"This suspension bridge is designed with a span of 108 meters and a width of 1.8 meters. The President previously mandated the TNI to build 2,500 bridges throughout Indonesia, including this one," Rendra said.

On the same day, besides the groundbreaking in Putridalem Village, Kodim 0617/Majalengka and the Majalengka Regency Government also inaugurated the Garuda Concrete Bridge located in Bojongcideres Village, Dawuan District.

Rendra said the Garuda Concrete Bridge is a vital access point connecting Bojongcideres and Gandasari Villages.

The bridge had been nearing collapse and was unsafe to cross.

Upon receiving reports, the military included the bridge in their Garuda Bridge construction list.

"Alhamdulillah, within 35 days, this bridge’s construction was completed and is now passable," Rendra said.

He added that the new concrete bridge measures 18 meters in length and 2 meters in width.

The bridge is now sturdier and safer than before.

He claimed that the bridge can now safely accommodate two- and three-wheeled vehicles.

"Previously, it could only be used by bicycles. Motorcycles couldn’t pass because it was nearly collapsing, but now three-wheeled vehicles and several motorcycles can cross at once," he explained.

Not Just Bridges: Bore Wells

On the same day, four bore wells were inaugurated across Majalengka Regency.

They are located in Bantar Jati Village (Jatitujuh District), Cipaku Village (Kadipaten District), Wanajaya Village (Kasokandel District), and Nanggewer Village (Sukahaji District).

Rendra mentioned the four bore wells collectively provide clean water access for 3,599 residents in those villages.

"The bore wells reach depths of 50-60 meters. But most importantly, the community must help maintain and care for these facilities as they serve the common good," Rendra said.

Budi, a resident of Bantarjati, admitted that his area often faced clean water shortages during the dry season.

Residents’ wells would dry up, forcing them to ration water to ensure continuous access.

"We hope the bore wells will help us residents of Bantarjati who always struggle to get clean water during the dry season," Budi said.

Majalengka Regent Eman Suherman also highly praised the TNI’s swift action in executing physical infrastructure projects.

Eman noted that the TNI’s infrastructure assistance significantly supports the local government amid fiscal constraints due to budget efficiency measures.

"Without collaboration, we would not succeed. Amid fiscal pressure on the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD), the President decreed a physical program for the TNI to execute jointly with regional governments. This drastically cuts residents’ travel time," said Eman.

The local government along with Kodim 0617/Majalengka hope the community will collaborate to maintain and care for the newly built facilities so they can be used long-term.