JAMBI, bhayaksa.net – Public infrastructure funded by the 2025 Village Fund (Dana Desa) in Pangkal Duri Village, Mendahara District, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, has come under intense public scrutiny. Despite the project’s physical completion, the build quality of the IDR 114.3 million concrete footbridge (jalan jerambah beton) is deemed suspicious by local residents, while Village Head Abdul Wahab has chosen to remain silent when contacted for official clarification.
Project Data Overview
The physical development activity, officially titled the Concrete Footbridge Construction (Pembangunan Jalan Jerambah Beton), is located at RT 03 Duri II Hamlet, Pangkal Duri Village, Mendahara District.
Executed by the Activity Management Team (TPK) of Pangkal Duri Village under the leadership of Village Head Abdul Wahab, the project covers a total size of 10 meters in length and 2.3 meters in width, yielding an overall volume of 23 m². The construction was financed through the 2025 Fiscal Year Village Fund with a total budget allocation of IDR 114,399,000, bringing the average estimated cost to approximately IDR 4,973,870 per square meter.
Four Alleged Technical Discrepancies
Efforts to maintain news balance were carried out through an official Journalism Confirmation Letter No: 027/S-KM/Bhayaksa/VIII/2026 dated August 4, 2026. The technical issues submitted to the village administration for clarification include:
1. Supporting Wall Material: The supporting walls of the footbridge allegedly use red brick masonry instead of a proper reinforced concrete structure capable of withstanding lateral pressure and vehicle loads.
2.Absence of Drainage (Weep Holes): No drainage weep holes were found in the structure, raising concerns about rainwater or tidal water hydrostatic pressure accumulation that could trigger premature cracking or collapse.
3Rebar Steel Specifications: Rebar steel usage is suspected to mix 10 mm and 6 mm steel bars across the 10-meter span, which is considered below structural strength standards.
4. Cost Efficiency Concerns: The budget allocation of IDR 114.399 million for a volume of 23 m² (approx. IDR 4.97 million per m²) is suspected to be disproportionate to the physical output on-site, pointing toward potential state/village financial losses.
Right of Reply Unheeded
The editorial team extended the Right of Reply and Right of Correction in accordance with Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press and the Code of Journalistic Ethics, giving a 48-hour deadline. However, as of Friday (07/08/2026), the official confirmation sent via WhatsApp received no response from Village Head Abdul Wahab or the Activity Management Team (TPK).
Local residents and community members are now urging the Regional Inspectorate of East Tanjung Jabung and Law Enforcement Authorities (APH) to conduct an immediate field audit and thorough investigation into the alleged budget mismanagement.
Reporter: Harvery
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
