2 hours ago
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REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NIAS SELATAN -- Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka confirmed that the government will build a bridge for residents and students of Public Vocational Secondary Schools (SMKN) 1 Boronadu, Nias Selatan Regency, North Sumatra. Gibran got the report after a dialogue with students who had to cross the Gomo River every day to get to school.
“Yesterday I heard a lot of feedback from the local residents, especially from the students who are here,” Gibran said during a dialogue with the students of SMKN 1 Boronadu, South Nias, Sunday (21/12/2025).
In the dialogue, Gibran asks directly the condition of the students when leaving school. The students claimed to have to cross the river every day, even as the water overflowed due to rain. “So who stands in front of this every day crosses the river?” says Gibran.
“Yes, sir,” the students replied in unison.
Gibran also asked about the condition of uniforms and school supplies that were often wet as a result of crossing the river. “Wet-wets? Which guys are guys too? The shoes are removed first?” said Gibran.
“Yes, sir,” they said compactly.
“Wet uniform?” asked Gibran.
“Yes, sir.”
When it rains, the flow of the river is called to become more and more intense. However, they still force themselves to leave for school. “If it rains, the flow of the river becomes more intense, still leave for school?” says Gibran.
“Yes sir,” said the student.
Hearing of the conditions, Gibran reiterated the government's commitment to building the bridge immediately. The goal is that students' access to education is more secure.
“Yesterday I landed at 08.30 WIB and arrived here at 12.30 WIB. The journey is quite long, but I have already reported to Mrs. Wamen PU. We'll build a bridge later. We are building a bridge so that the brothers and sisters do not get wet anymore,” Gibran said.
The statement was greeted with rousing applause from the students and residents in attendance.
Previously, Gibran mentioned that approximately 60 percent of students at SMKN 1 Boronadu live across the river. They are highly dependent on this crossing. When the water level of the Gomo River rises, the safety of students and residents is at high risk.
"If the river overflows, approximately four villages will be isolated. The construction of a suspension bridge on the Gomo River is an urgent need to ensure the safety of residents while also improving access to education and economic activities," said Gibran.
Therefore, he requested that his staff immediately implement the plan to build a suspension bridge on the Gomo River in an integrated manner. According to Gibran, accelerating the development of basic infrastructure in remote areas is part of the government's commitment to ensuring that the state's presence is truly felt by the community.
"Therefore, I have requested that the bridge construction plan be immediately implemented in an integrated manner, taking into account geographical conditions and safety aspects, so that the state's presence is truly felt by the community," said Gibran.
