Indonesia suspension bridge tilts during inauguration after more than 50 people cross

A newly inaugurated suspension bridge in Indonesia's West Java province tilted on Sunday, 30 August, after more than 50 people crossed it at the same time, including the local regent and other government and military officials.

The Pongpet Suspension Bridge is located in Margacinta village, Cijulang district, in Pangandaran regency, a coastal area of West Java. The incident happened at about 4:10 p.m. local time, shortly after the bridge's inauguration ceremony had ended.

Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami was among those crossing the bridge, alongside the head of the local Public Works Agency, Ling Ling Nugraha Senjaya, Pangandaran military district commander Lieutenant Colonel Czi Citra Kurniawan and members of the public.

Video footage showed people on the bridge when part of the structure suddenly gave way, causing several people to fall. All members of the group survived.

Pangandaran regional government public relations chief Raden Detty Marieta confirmed that the incident took place on Sunday afternoon.

“Yes, the incident happened this afternoon,” Detty said, according to detikJabar.

She said the regent was safe but had been shocked by the incident.

“She is safe and there were no casualties. She was hit by a wire and suffered bruising on her hand. ” she said.

Several people, including the head of the Public Works Agency, were reported to have suffered minor abrasions.

Army says suspension cable came loose

Indonesia's army said on Monday that the bridge had not completely collapsed. Instead, the main structure remained in position while a suspension cable on the left side became detached from its main fastening system, causing the bridge to tilt.

The Indonesian Army Information Centre, known as Dispenad, said the incident occurred after more than 50 people crossed simultaneously, exceeding the bridge's specified capacity.

The army said the bridge's main structure remained intact.

“The main structure of the bridge remained in its position, while the part that experienced the problem was the suspension cable on the left side, which became detached from the main fastening system,” it said.

Before the bridge was opened, the local military district command, Kodim 0625/Pangandaran, had provided safety information to residents and installed a notice stating the bridge's capacity and rules for its use.

However, Dispenad said the requirements were not observed after the inauguration because of the large number of people wanting to cross the bridge.

The incident took place as local government and military officials, together with members of the public, moved towards the event area after Pitriyami had cut the ribbon marking the bridge's inauguration.

Bridge closed while authorities investigate

Police said no one was killed in the incident.

Cijulang district police chief First Inspector Dimas Aditama said all officials attending the inauguration survived.

Authorities immediately secured the site and closed the bridge to the public.

The bridge has not yet been reopened while Kodim 0625/Pangandaran and Pangandaran's Public Works and Housing Agency carry out repairs and a technical assessment.

The assessment includes checks on the strength of the bridge structure, the suspension cable fastening system and the maximum number of people the bridge can safely accommodate.

Authorities said the findings would be used to ensure that all construction components are safe and to improve rules governing the bridge's future use.

Bridge links village to cultural tourism area

The Pongpet Suspension Bridge is located in Dusun Margajaya, RT 01/12, Margacinta village, Cijulang district, Pangandaran regency. It is about 60 metres long and consists of steel suspension cables and a wooden-plank deck.

The bridge serves as an important access route for residents of Margacinta village and provides access to the Margacinta Cultural Village area.

Kodim 0625/Pangandaran built the bridge as part of efforts to improve access and connectivity for residents of Margacinta and surrounding areas.

The Indonesian Army said the bridge was intended to support residents' mobility and social and economic activities once all repair work had been completed.

It said authorities were responding quickly while prioritising public safety and carrying out technical checks before allowing the bridge to reopen.

The army also said its statement was intended to provide a clear account of the incident and prevent misleading information or misinterpretation of what happened.