akarta (20/8) – Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir officially inaugurated the Kimarpu Bridge in Pagedangan Udik, Kronjo, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Saturday morning (20/8). The inauguration was warmly welcomed by the local residents of Kronjo District.
The bridge inauguration event was organized by several State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), with Jamkrindo participating as part of the SOE’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The Kimarpu Bridge connects Pasilian Village and Pagedangan Udik Village, located in Banten Province, West Java. The bridge spans 37 meters long and 1.5 meters wide over the Bentengan River. It is now the main access for both villages and helps facilitate the local community's economic activities. This is especially important for Pagedangan Udik Village, which depends on its neighboring village for its water supply.
Minister Erick Thohir stated that the event in Banten reflects the SOEs' concern for issues related to education and the development of UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). "To support the smooth operation of UMKM and education, we must also consider the infrastructure. This bridge used to be made of bamboo and was very fragile, posing a danger to the residents," said Erick.
He mentioned that many women in the area engage in cross-village trade, and children often go to school and attend religious classes, sometimes returning home late. In rainy conditions, they would have to cross the fragile bamboo bridge. "There is a river below, which becomes swift and dangerous when it rains. Therefore, this bridge is a necessity to support the smooth education and economic activities of the residents," Erick added.
The Kimarpu Bridge is one of four bridges being built through the SOEs' CSR activities in the Banten region. "I hope this bridge can help, be useful, and serve as a good connection between villages," Erick said.
The inauguration was attended by several BUMN companies involved in the collaboration to provide the bridge, including Jamkrindo, Bank Mandiri, Pegadaian, BTN, BNI, Perhutani, Hutama Karya, Pupuk Indonesia, Taspen, Wika, Angkasa Pura II, Perumnas, Waskita, Brantas Abipraya, Jasamarga, Airnav Indonesia, IFG, Nindya Karya, and Indra Karya, with PT ADHI and PT PP serving as the coordinators.
Junena, a 32-year-old mother from Pagedangan Udik, said the composite bridge has greatly helped the people in both villages, especially in facilitating the local economic activities. "We can sell my husband's catch as a fisherman to the neighboring villages," she said. Another resident, Selamet, shared that he no longer worries when his child goes out for religious study at night. "I don't worry anymore that my child might fall into the river," said the resident of Pasilian Village.