The History of the Suramadu National Bridge, Its Functions and Interesting Facts

The Suramadu National Bridge is Indonesia's national bridge that connects Java Island and Madura Island. It is named Suramadu because its connecting points are from Surabaya (Sura) and Bangkalan located on Madura Island (Madu). A unique acronym to name a bridge, right?

In this article, we will reveal the history of the Suramadu National Bridge and interesting facts about it, let's take a look below!

History of the Suramadu National Bridge

The early history of the Suramadu National Bridge can be beneficial for everyone:

Origins

The idea of connecting Java and Madura through a bridge has existed for a long time. In 1976, the Governor of East Java, Mohammad Noer, proposed a land route known as Tri Nusa Bima Sakti, which included Bali, Madura, and Surabaya. However, the concrete realization of this idea only began to materialize after a feasibility study was conducted in 1990, which showed that the development of Madura was key to expanding Surabaya.

Steps Towards Realization

The decision to officially build the Suramadu Bridge was made on October 20, 2003, with Presidential Decree No. 79 by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. The construction of this bridge was the result of hard work from various parties, including the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), which began designing in 1992, although the plan was delayed due to the 1997 economic crisis.

Construction and Challenges

The construction of the bridge officially began on August 20, 2003, and faced various challenges, including budget delays. The bridge was initially scheduled to be completed in 2007, but it was only finished on June 10, 2009. During the construction process, the total cost reached Rp 2.82 trillion, making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

Amazing Construction

The Suramadu Bridge, which is 5,438 meters long, consists of three parts: an overpass, a connecting bridge, and the main bridge. Its design, which uses cable-stayed construction and deep supporting pillars, demonstrates excellent engineering expertise. This bridge not only serves as a connector but is also designed to be earthquake and corrosion resistant.

Impact and Function of the Suramadu National Bridge

The Suramadu Bridge not only serves as a transportation route that accelerates access between Surabaya and Madura but also contributes to economic and infrastructure development in Madura Island, which was previously considered underdeveloped. Since late 2018, this bridge has operated as a non-toll road, eliminating fees for users. The bridge has also become the location for various festivals and cultural events, making it one of the tourism icons in East Java.

Since its inauguration eleven years ago, the Suramadu Bridge has automatically become an icon for the two regions it connects, namely Surabaya and Madura. Since then, many people have stopped by just to take selfies and upload them to social media. Suddenly, the crossing bridge has become an inexpensive tourist spot. However, be careful not to take photos in the bridge area by getting out of your vehicle, as it will be considered a traffic violation. So, look for an aesthetic photo angle that can capture part or the whole bridge from a distance. And, be cautious of the many vehicles passing by!

Expert Team for the Development of the Suramadu National Bridge

The Suramadu Bridge is not just an infrastructure project, but also a collaborative work of various Indonesian experts who contributed to its construction. This team consists of leading experts from various institutions, each bringing specific expertise to ensure the success of this project.

List of Experts

1. Prof. Ir. Indrasurya B. Mochtar, MSc, PhD (ITS)

   • Specialization: Geotechnical Engineering

2. Dr. Ir. Heydi Rahadian, MSc (Litbang Trans)

   • Specialization: Geotechnics

3. Prof. Dr. Ir. Gusti Putu Raka (ITS)

   • Specialization: Concrete Technology

4. Dr. Ir. Bambang Suhendro, MSc, PhD (UGM)

   • Specialization: Building Structures in Marine Environments

5. Dr. Ir. Jodi Firmasyah (UI)

   • Specialization: Bridge Structures

6. Dr. Ir. Bambang Supriyadi, CES, DEA (UGM)

   • Specialization: Bridge Engineering

7. Prof. Said Djenie, ScD (BPPT Expert Team)

   • Specialization: T.I.R.B.B (Infrastructure Engineering and Building Engineering)

8. Dr. Ir. Johny Wahyudi Soedarsono, DEA (UI)

   • Specialization: Metallurgy

9. Dr. Ir. Isdiriayani M. Nurdin (ITB)

   • Specialization: Corrosion

10. Prof. Dr. Yulinah Trihadiningrum, M App Sc (ITS)

    • Specialization: Environment

11. Dr. Ir. Masyur Irsyam, MSE, PhD (ITB)

    • Specialization: Geotechnical Engineering

12. Dr. Ir. Suripin, M Eng (UNDIP)

    • Specialization: Coastal Abrasion & Environmental Conservation

13. Dr. Dunat Indratmo, MT (ITS)

    • Specialization: Environment

14. Drs. Musta'in Mas'ud, Msi (UNAIR)

    • Specialization: Culture & Anthropology

15. Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Iksan Semacen, MSc (UNJOYO)

    • Specialization: Agricultural Socio-Economics

16. KH. Abdullah Schaal

    • Specialization: Madura Cultural Social Figure

17. Drs. KH. Nurmuddin A. Achman SH

    • Specialization: Madura Cultural Social Figure

Each team member brings unique expertise that contributes to various aspects of bridge construction, from technical design to social and cultural considerations. This diversity of backgrounds ensures that the Suramadu Bridge is not only functional but also sustainable and relevant to the needs of the local community.

8 Interesting Facts About the Suramadu National Bridge

After learning about the history of the Suramadu National Bridge and its functions, let's also discover some interesting facts about the Suramadu National Bridge. Check them out below!

1. The Longest Bridge in Indonesia

The Suramadu Bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia, spanning 5,438 meters. With this impressive length, the bridge not only connects Surabaya and Madura but also becomes one of the proud