Barelang Bridge, a magnificent icon of Batam City that connects the islands and holds a fascinating historical story.
Batam, as one of the leading economic and tourism centers in Indonesia, has many attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. One of the most iconic landmarks in Batam that should not be missed is the Barelang Bridge.
Known as a symbol of infrastructure progress and regional development, the Barelang Bridge is a series of six bridges that connect several islands in the Riau Islands. This bridge not only has a strategic function, but is also a popular tourist attraction thanks to its stunning views.
History of the Construction of the Barelang Bridge
The construction of the Barelang Bridge began in 1992 on the initiative of BJ Habibie, the former Minister of Research and Technology of Indonesia who is also known as the father of Batam’s development.
The name Barelang itself is an abbreviation of Batam, Rempang, and Galang, the three main islands connected by the bridge. The main goal of this project is to improve accessibility between the islands around Batam and accelerate economic development in the region.
The construction of this bridge involved advanced architecture and technology at that time, which illustrates a grand vision to transform Batam into one of the most advanced industrial areas in Indonesia.
This bridge not only serves as a link between the islands, but is also a symbol of Indonesia’s progress in infrastructure and technology.
Structure and Architectural Design of Barelang Bridge
One thing that stands out about the Barelang Bridge is its magnificent architectural design. Of the six bridges that make up Barelang, the Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge is the most famous.
It is often referred to as the “Barelang Bridge” by many due to its large size and most iconic appearance. It is approximately 642 meters long and stretches over the Riau Strait, offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge has a cable-stayed structure that resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, United States. This design gives a modern and futuristic impression that makes it one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Batam.
In addition to its visual beauty, this bridge is also designed to be very strong to withstand traffic loads and extreme weather conditions.
In addition to Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge, the other five bridges also have their own uniqueness. Each bridge is named after a king or sultan who once ruled the Riau Islands region, showing respect for local history and culture.
Strategic and Economic Functions of the Barelang Bridge
Strategically, the Barelang Bridge plays an important role in the economic and social development of Batam and its surroundings.
The bridge connects three main islands: Batam, which is the center of industry and trade; Rempang, which is mostly used for agriculture and livestock; and Galang, which is famous for its history as a refugee camp for Vietnamese during the war.
With the Barelang Bridge, the movement of goods, services, and people between the islands has become much easier and more efficient. Before the bridge was built, transportation between the islands was very limited and could only be done by boat or small ship.
After the construction of the Barelang Bridge, the travel time between the islands has been drastically reduced, which ultimately increases economic activities and attracts more investment to the region.
Very Popular Tourist Destination
In addition to its crucial function in infrastructure, the Barelang Bridge is also a very popular tourist destination among tourists, both local and foreign.
The beauty of the view from the top of the bridge, especially at sunset, is a special attraction for visitors. Many tourists stop along the bridge to take pictures and enjoy the spectacular sea panorama.
For photography lovers, Barelang Bridge offers various interesting photo spots that can be used to capture beautiful moments. The magnificent view of the bridge with the background of the blue sea and clear sky is the perfect combination for stunning photo results.
Around the Barelang Bridge area, there are many restaurants and food stalls serving fresh seafood. Enjoying delicious food while being accompanied by a beautiful view of the bridge is an experience that should not be missed.
In addition, there are also various other tourist attractions around the Barelang Bridge, such as Galang Beach and the Vietnamese refugee camp which has high historical value.
Bridge Challenges and Maintenance
As the Barelang Bridge ages, the challenges in terms of maintenance and upkeep are increasing. As one of the most important bridges in Indonesia, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safety and smoothness of traffic.
The local government has made efforts to carry out regular repairs to extend the life of the bridge and maintain its feasibility.
However, the biggest challenge faced by the Barelang Bridge is corrosion due to exposure to seawater. Therefore, various modern technologies and methods are used to protect the bridge structure from further damage.
Periodic repair and strengthening of the structure is also a priority to ensure that the bridge remains safe to use in the long term.
Conclusion
Barelang Bridge is not only an infrastructure connecting islands, but also a symbol of progress, history, and culture in the Riau Islands. For those visiting Marina Beach Batam, the bridge’s proximity adds another layer of attraction to the area.
Its stunning beauty and strategic function make it one of the main tourist destinations in Batam. With its magnificent architectural design and inherent historical value, Barelang Bridge will always be a proud icon of Batam, offering visitors breathtaking views and a sense of the region’s cultural significance.
For tourists who want to experience the combination of modern technology, stunning natural scenery, and cultural richness, the Barelang Bridge is a must-visit.
Not only does it provide a stunning visual experience, but it also provides insight into the importance of infrastructure development in driving the economic progress of a region.
