A String of Jewels Across the Strait

Built at a cost of Rp4.5 trillion, the Suramadu Bridge, which links the islands of Java and Madura, is a mega-project designed to last for 100 years. In Indonesia’s transportation history, this bridge is considered a landmark comparable to the Palapa satellite project during the Suharto years. Will its presence put an end to the local ferry service?

June 23, 2009

SECOND Adj. Insp. Sunyoto was grumbling the whole day on Sunday last week. The officer in the Partnership Division of the Bangkalan Precinct Police, Madura, had expected to arrive at his office earlier by traveling on the toll road of Suramadu, the bridge linking Surabaya and Madura. But the 35yearold even turned out to be caught in a jam and rendered immobile for three hours on the bridge inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono only on

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