The Suramadu Bridge: Connecting Java and Madur
The Suramadu Bridge, also known as the Surabaya-Madura Bridge, is a remarkable infrastructure that connects the island of Java with the town of Bangkalan on the island of Madura in Indonesia. This bridge, which opened on June 10, 2009, holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Indonesia and the first to cross the Madura Strait. The Suramadu Bridge features three cable-stayed sections, with spans measuring 192 meters, 434 meters, and 192 meters respectively. It boasts two lanes in each direction, along with an emergency lane and a dedicated lane for motorcycles. Notably, this bridge is also the first toll bridge in Indonesia, with initial fares set at Rp. 30,000 for four-wheeled vehicles and Rp. 3,000 for two-wheelers. The construction of the Suramadu Bridge was a collaborative effort between Indonesian companies PT AdhiKarya and PT WaskitaKarya, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corp. and China Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd. The total cost of the project, including connecting roads, was estimated at 4.5 trillion rupiah. The construction of the Suramadu Bridge faced several challenges. In July 2004, a girder collapse resulted in the unfortunate death of one worker and injuries to nine others. Additionally, work on the bridge was temporarily halted at the end of 2004 due to a lack of funds. However, construction resumed in November 2005, and the main span of the bridge was successfully connected on March 31, 2009. Finally, on June 10, 2009, the Suramadu Bridge was opened to the public. Unfortunately, shortly after its opening, the Suramadu Bridge faced some issues. Within a week, it was discovered that nuts, bolts, and maintenance lamps had been stolen. Furthermore, evidence of vandalism on the cables supporting the main span was also found. Despite these challenges, the Suramadu Bridge remains a significant landmark, symbolizing the connection between Java and Madura. In conclusion, the Suramadu Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering that connects the islands of Java and Madura. Its construction involved collaboration between Indonesian and Chinese companies, and it holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Indonesia. Despite facing challenges during construction and some post-opening issues, the Suramadu Bridge stands as a testament to the progress and connectivity of the region.