The collapse of the Kutai Kartanegara bridge on November 26 was a real shocker for Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto. Funded partly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the bridge became operational in 2002. "That bridge should have lasted 40 to 50 years," said Djoko, an engineering graduate of Gadjah Mada University.

He flew immediately to the site as soon as he heard the bad news. During the six-hour trip to Kutai Kartanegara, Djoko k