The deep, fast-flowing waters of the Polapare River have long stood as a perilous barrier for residents in Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. To sustain their livelihoods and access basic services, villagers faced daily risks crossing the treacherous currents. On May 10, 2026, a new lifeline opened for the region with the inauguration of the Polapare Bridge of Love (Jembatan Cinta Kasih Polapare). This essential infrastructure connects Bondo Bela and Rita Baru, transforming the daily routines of nearly 6,000 residents across the two villages.
Overcoming geographic barriers
Constructing the 90-meter-long, 1.2-meter-wide suspension bridge presented significant physical hurdles. The terrain in Rita Baru is defined by steep limestone cliffs, requiring workers to level the slopes to secure the bridge columns and anchors. Because vehicles could not reach the remote site, all construction materials were carried by hand. Workers trekked approximately three kilometers along rugged mountain paths to deliver supplies to the construction site.
Facing such immense challenges, we truly hope everyone will cherish this suspension bridge. We also hope the road leading to the bridge can be improved to facilitate the passage of motorcycles or bicycles.— Dadan Ridwan Hamdani, Commander of Vertical Rescue Indonesia
A foundation for regional growth
The completion of the bridge establishes a safer, more efficient route that reduces travel time and distances between communities. Beyond daily commutes, it enhances the villagers' access to education, medical care, and local markets.
The Polapare Bridge of Love, connecting the villages of Bondo Bela and Rita Baru, is a concrete realization of a vision that addresses transportation problems caused by the deep, fast-flowing Polapare River. Besides providing safer passage and reducing health risks and accidents for residents, it can further enhance people's opportunities to access medical, educational, and economic resources, while strengthening interaction and connection between communities.— Prof. Dr. M. Alie Humaedi, Representative of the Environmental, Maritime, and Cultural Archaeology Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency
LEFT: Paulus Florianus (right) and representatives distribute school supplies to local students. RIGHT: Children from Bondo Bela and Rita Baru villages pose at the new bridge. | Photos: Henry Pramudya
The project emerged through a collaborative effort involving DAAI TV Indonesia, the National Research and Innovation Agency, Vertical Rescue Indonesia, JNE Express, and private contributors. Following the successful completion of the Hasan Hasanudin suspension bridge in Mata Kapore village, this new initiative continues to support rural development. Alongside the bridge's construction, project partners distributed 600 backpacks and sets of stationery to students in Rita Baru and Mata Kapore, assisting the region's youth with their educational needs.
I just spoke with the local villagers, which made me feel even more deeply that a suspension bridge is truly needed here.— Rahmansyah Cong, Donor Representative
Rahmansyah noted his joy in helping fulfill the residents' long-held wish for a bridge, adding that he hopes to continue supporting similar infrastructure projects in the Sumba region to bring greater convenience and opportunities to more villages.
DAAI TV Indonesia hopes this suspension bridge will bring convenience and safety to the residents around the Polapare River, while also demonstrating our commitment to continuously spreading the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.— Elisa Tsai (蔡慧真), Director of DAAI TV Indonesia
For local authorities, the bridge represents a practical solution to regional development challenges. Reduced public budgets had previously slowed infrastructure improvements in the area.
Currently, the local government of Southwest Sumba Regency is facing difficulties with infrastructure development slowing down or even stalling due to budget cuts. The collaborative construction model of this bridge serves as a viable path to promote more development in the future.— Ratu Ngadu Bonu Wulla, Regent of Southwest Sumba
LEFT: The Polapare Bridge of Love connects Bondo Bela and Rita Baru, ensuring safer travel. | Photo: Henry Pramudya RIGHT: Paulus Florianus (center) signs the bridge monument with government and partner reps. | Photo: Dio Mairizki
As residents now travel safely across the river, the Polapare Bridge of Love stands as a functional asset for the community. Paulus Florianus, General Manager of Corporate Communications for DAAI TV Indonesia, attended the inauguration and affirmed plans to continue working with charitable partners on future bridge constructions. The joint effort provides an inspiring model for rural infrastructure, showing how shared resources can create lasting, practical improvements for isolated areas in Indonesia.
Written by Mika Wulan
