Suramadu Bridge - The Beginning

In the 1960s, Prof.. Dr. Sedyatmo (late) proposed an idea of the direct relationship between the islands of Sumatra and Java. An brave idea in that era. The idea was apparently getting a good response. As a follow-up, in 1965 made the trial design Sumatra-Java bridge (Sunda Strait Bridge) made at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). Ideas and concepts of development of inter-island bridge explained next to the President of Indonesia Soeharto  in early June 1986.

In February 1986, the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) met with the delegation from the Japanese trading company. The possibility of cooperation projects in Indonesia were discussed. Pots were intercepted. The Japanese delegation was declared to give a positive wind projects for cooperation in the direct relationship of Java-Sumatra-Bali.

The Indonesian government is also increasingly eager to do the preparation. On the basis of the concepts of Prof.. Sedyatmo, June 1986, President Soeharto was appointed Minister of State for Research and Technology Assessment and Application Agency Head of Technology (BPPT), BJ Habibie. Preliminary study on the possibility of a direct relationship inter-islands of Sumatra-Java-Bali were carried out.

This project was given the name Tri Nusa Bima Sakti. BPPT given the task-related studies in natural conditions, while the Department of Public Works (Public Works) undertook a study on socio-economic and implementation. At the same time, the Japanese delegation led by Dr. Ibukiyama came to Indonesia in the preliminary study. (JIF), a forum of cooperation established Japanese private companies and a friend suggested conducting a seminar in Jakarta in an effort to promote the project Trinusa Bima Sakti. Seminar entitled "Japan-Indonesia Seminar on Large Scale Bridges and Tunnel Under the Sea" was held in Jakarta, 21-24 Japan-Indonesia Science and Technology Forum September 1986. The seminar was followed by a series of preliminary studies until 1989. Because these studies include the relationship of three or more islands, enhanced project name to "Project Tri Nusa Bima Sakti and Main Crossing activism." From studies conducted, which is considered feasible for immediate implementation is a direct relationship of Java-Madura / Bali.

Time is ticking. Department of Public Works (DPU) and BPPT, December 1986, separately submit project proposals related to the Milky Way Tri Nusa Bappenas and the Cabinet Secretariat (Setkab). At the same time, the results of the study led by Dr. Ibukiyama also sent to the National Planning Board and Setkab.

Seven months later, the annual meeting of JIF to discuss technical cooperation, the representative of Japan agreed to send two experts, geologists and experts of Volcanology. Their job is to help a friend make an assessment on natural conditions. While for the study of socio-economic and implementation, assisted by an expert in the field of Public Works Transportation Planning and Engineering Bridge / Tunnel. In the course of time, appears constraints in the procurement of geologists for the long term. Delegation of Japan (Ministry of transportation) proposed idea where geological surveys conducted after the obtained results of an assessment on the prospects for transportation planning and construction planning of the bridge / tunnel.

Follow-up, July 1988, Mr. Nobuaki Furuya, transportation and engineering experts bridge / tunnel from the Agency for Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Authority began an office at the DPU. Then in October 1988, Mr. Kobayashi, an expert from the Public Corporation Japan Railway Network Development set foot in the BPPT.
 
Subsequently, in December 1988, there was an agreement between the DPU and a friend of the study for the project. DPU is responsible for carrying out socio-economic studies, including traffic demand estimation, while making partnerships with other agencies. While the task of implementing BPPT study the development of techniques and natural conditions. From the deal, a committee will be established so that effective implementation of these study.

Then even more concrete steps with the implementation of a study on Preliminary Feasibility Study of Surabaya-Madura Bridge Suramadu Bridging Project by the JIF and friend at the expense of the Japanese side, from March to October 1990. The results show an important recommendation, that the condition of Surabaya as the second largest port after Singapore, as well as labor-intensive system of export industries, the development of the island of Madura, a key staple in the expansion of the metropolitan city of Surabaya. Seeing a high development potential, development has become an important Suramadu Bridge. These recommendations are then to be the point of the amplifier to perform technical studies and other supporting studies. This study took place in 1990 until 1995. BPPT also prepare a budget cost of the Entry List Project (DIP).

Next Page DMP formed consortium comprising Indonesia: PT Jasa Marga, BPIS, PT SEER, and PT Bukaka. In addition, the Japanese consortium was formed consisting of: Mitshubishi Corp, Itochu, Shimizu, Long Term Credit Bank (LTCB). The first meeting of the steering team that carried out in March 1991, decided to coordinate the development of this project conducted by the Ministry of the Interior. The next agenda created by the project executing action plans. Related to Smoking and high net span bridge (clearance) bridges, coordinated with the Headquarters of the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) and the Department of Transportation.

At the second meeting, in March 1992, directing team requested that PT DMP immediately and complete the Bankable Feasibility Study Proposal. Meeting also decided to help the Department of Public Works BPPT and PT DMP in carrying out technical studies that includes the bridge survey, engineering design and testing. And at the third meeting of the steering team, March 1994, DPU declared its readiness to support this project by preparing PSDPU (Infrastructure and Public Works Support). Parties PT DMP were then asked to immediately complete the Action Program and the standard of environmental studies for development of the region and resettlement studies. In addition BUMNIS / enterprises will also be included in this project as a shareholder.

After entering the fourth meeting, April 1995, the Japanese consortium asked to seek funding. While PT DMP asked to complete land acquisition for the region. Implementation of further projects in the field under the responsibility of DPU.

The Monetary Crisis Delaying

The economic crisis that hit Indonesia in 1997 delayed a number of major projects, one bridge Suramadu

However, the poor can not be rejected. With high spirit of this great project realization should be dimmed for a moment. The economic crisis that hit Southeast Asia, Indonesia was also hit. Economic conditions had become crashed. The crisis is not capable of carrying domino effect that resulted directly in the bridge construction plans Suramadu. With this condition, in a Cabinet meeting 16 September 1997, the government decided to postpone the construction of several large projects including bridge construction plans Suramadu. The delay was reinforced by Presidential Decree No. 39 of 1997, dated 20 September 1997, about the postponement / review return SOE and private development projects relating to the development of SOEs.

The delay is intended to secure the sustainability of the economy and the course of national development. Surabaya-Madura bridge projects included in the list of pending projects. But that does not mean the project was stopped. In Presidential Decree No. 8 of 1998 regarding priority infrastructure programs, otherwise if the construction of the Surabaya-Madura Bridge will continue, then these activities should be included in the list of infrastructure priorities, coordinated National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).

A subsequent changes occur. Decree of the Minister of Public Works in June 1998, stating the implementation of development projects in Surabaya-Madura bridge no longer involve PT DMP. It is necessary for re-evaluation of the new consortium, both from domestic and foreign.

Efforts of East Java Province 

Continuing Development Ideals

The spirit of decentralization as stipulated in Law No. 22/1999 on regional autonomy, dated May 7, 1999, gives authority to the regions in this province of East Java to play a role in the Surabaya-Madura Bridge Construction. In December 1999 conducted a coordination meeting between the Regional Government of East Java, PT. Jasa Marga and the Project Coordinator in Surabaya: Understanding gained at the meeting were:Regional Government of East Java intends to take over the responsibility of project implementation Suramadu Bridge from the Department of Public Works in September 2000. PT. Jasa Marga will act as facilitator in the evaluation of investment costs and operation of toll roads for the Regional Government of East Java. 

For the PT. Jasa Marga will assist in evaluating the investment aspects of the scheme of Special Yen Credit, Loan, or Modified Soft Investment. In accordance with the spirit of reform implementation Madurese people want Suramadu redesign of the bridges. Engineering Design Bridge along with test results and other supporting studies that already exist, will be requested from a friend and the Department of Public Works to facilitate the activities of a Feasibility Study Review (Review Feasibility Study) and the redesign of the bridge.
Through a letter from Governor of East Java No. 602/1746/201/2001, dated October 11, 2001 and Number: 602/2332/201.3/2001, November 26, 2001, the Government filed a petition Initiation East Java Bridge Construction Execution and Revocation Suramadu Presidential Decree number 55 Year in 1990. 

In addition, the January 14, 2002 be disseminated Suramadu bridge construction by East Java Governor Imam Utomo in front of scholars and public figures in Pamekasan Madura. Plans to continue the development of this Suramadu Bridges responded very well and welcome from the people of Madura. They also expect the central government's sincerity in development plans Suramadu Bridge. In addition Regents / Legislative expected to anticipate the completion of construction of this bridge with town planning, economic planning, and development master plan with appropriate Madura Island. Step provincial government is answered by the Central Government through the Minister of State Research and Technology / Head of BPPT to the President, No: 07/M/I/2002, dated January 23, 2002, regarding the Implementation of Development Initiation Suramadu Bridge, stating full support for real measures taken by the Government of East Java Province.

Through this letter also stated the need for newly issued Presidential Decree to declare that Suramadu Bridge project is a priority project and at the same time including revoked Presidential Decree Number 55 Year 1990.

The New Beginning

Presidential Decree 79/2003 is an early resumption of construction catwalk Suramadu Bridge
With the improved economic situation, then exit the Presidential Decree No. 79 dated October 27, 2003 regarding the construction of the Surabaya-Madura bridge which states that development can be continued back Suramadu Bridge.

The Presidential decree also stated Suramadu Bridge construction undertaken as part of industrial estate development, housing and other sectors in the region either side of the bridge. Implementation of development must also consider the Suramadu Bridge Spatial Plan (RTRW) of East Java Province and the Spatial Plan Area (RTRK)-Bangkalan taken strategic initiatives-Mojokerto-Surabaya-Sidoarjo-Lamongan (Gerbang Kertosusila) and Pamekasan, Sampang and Sumenep. With Suramadu Bridge, which will connect Surabaya with Madura Island by road, is expected to be immediately reduced social inequality. Transportation flows quickly and effectively will make progress soon skyrocketed Madura, competing with other regions.

Good area and land use will also be formed in proportion. The project was later expected to carve a new history in the development of transportation in Indonesia, because for the first time built the bridge that connects between the two islands, as well as become the longest bridge in Indonesia.


 * Source : http://www.suramadu.com/