OBI ISLAND, South Halmahera – For decades, crossing the Akelamo River has been a challenge for residents of Kawasi and Soligi villages in South Halmahera Regency, especially during strong currents or adverse weather. Today, that land isolation has officially ended with the operation of the Akelamo River Bridge, which has been open since early 2025.
As the largest and longest river on Obi Island, and the only outlet for water from Lake Karo, the Akelamo River plays a central yet challenging role in the region. In the past, the distribution of agricultural produce between Kawasi and Soligi relied on a manually operated pontoon bridge (a simple floating dock) with limited capacity.
The 105-meter-long and 20-meter-wide bridge was built with support from Harita Nickel. This infrastructure not only shortens travel time but is also expected to become a new economic lifeline for communities along the western and southern coasts of Obi Island.
Soligi Village Head, Madaisi La Siriali, recalled how difficult mobility used to be before the bridge existed, particularly for farmers and traders transporting agricultural products. “In the past, residents had to adjust to river currents and weather conditions when crossing. Now the access is safer, faster, and more efficient. It also makes it much easier for residents to reach healthcare and education services,” said Madaisi.
The condition of residents when crossing the Akelamo River before the bridge was built.
A similar positive impact has been felt by residents of Kawasi Village. Kawasi Village Head, Arifin Saroa, emphasized the importance of the bridge in strengthening economic collaboration between the two villages. “Let’s organize things well so we can sell together. Women traders from Soligi and Kawasi can now work together because land access is finally open,” he said.
The significant infrastructure improvement has also received positive recognition from Telapak Association. Mohammad Djufryhard, Social Assessor of Telapak Association, validated the substantial benefits of the infrastructure built by Harita Nickel.
He shared his experience visiting Obi in 2023, when he still had to cross the river using a pontoon bridge. However, when he returned in 2025, he witnessed firsthand how the new bridge had improved inter-village connectivity and greatly supported the distribution of agricultural and fisheries products.
“For us, this is an added value provided by the company, particularly in infrastructure development that continues to improve each year,” said Djufryhard.
The Telapak Association stated that the Akelamo Bridge improves land access between Soligi and Kawasi and supports the distribution of agricultural and fisheries products.
The Akelamo Bridge is the second facility built by Harita Nickel. Previously, in 2024, the mining company also inaugurated another bridge within the Soligi Village area worth Rp1.25 billion.
Head of External Relations of Harita Nickel, Latif Supriadi, said the infrastructure development reflects the company’s commitment to encouraging economic growth and improving the quality of life for communities around its operational areas.
“Without strong collaboration with the community, this development would not have been possible. We remain committed to actively contributing to the welfare of communities surrounding our operational areas,” he concluded.