The river transport route in Batanghari Regency, Jambi, has been temporarily closed after a coal barge struck the protective pillar of the Muaro Tembesi Bridge on January 22. The closure will remain in effect until key safety and repair conditions are met.
Johansyah, the Assistant II for Economic Development at the Jambi Provincial Administration and Deputy Head of the Law Enforcement Task Force (Satgasgakum), confirmed the decision on January 26. He explained that a recent meeting led to the agreement to suspend coal shipments via the river until the following requirements are fulfilled:
1. The Association of Coal Mining Entrepreneurs (PPTB) must submit a statement and commitment to repair the Tembesi Bridge to the National Road Implementation Center (BPJN).
2. The installation of 700-horsepower (2 x 350 HP) engines at the bridge.
3. Signage and banners must be placed at the affected bridge arches to indicate restricted or allowed passage for vessels.
Johansyah also called for enhanced monitoring in the area, including the installation of navigational guides at the bridge. He stressed the need for expedited repairs to the fender or protective pillar, with proper documentation provided during the process.
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The Jambi Provincial Department of Transportation (Dishub) is tasked with coordinating with the Talang Duku Port Authority to ensure that shipping agents and pilots meet certification requirements.
Under Jambi Governor Regulation No. 26 of 2024, all coal transport businesses and shipping agents must comply with new river traffic and transport regulations, which took effect on January 26, 2025.
The Head of the National Road Implementation Center (BPJN) Jambi, Ibnu Kurniawan, had previously proposed the temporary suspension of coal transport along the river until the protective pillar of the Tembesi Bridge is repaired.
Ibnu emphasized that the damage to the protective pillar has left the bridge vulnerable, and if a similar collision occurs, the risk of the bridge collapsing increases.
He further warned that if the bridge is struck again, the consequences could be severe, particularly for the people of Jambi, and could potentially result in the collapse of the bridge. "We must take immediate preventive measures, because if this bridge collapses, it will be the people who suffer," Ibnu said.
As a precautionary measure, BPJN Jambi has requested a temporary halt to coal transport along the river until the protective pillar repairs are completed. "I hope that coal transport through the river is halted temporarily until the repairs are finished," Ibnu concluded.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
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