Dedi Mulyadi Transforms Cirahong Bridge into Sundanese Tourism Hub After Ending Illegal Levies

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has intervened to eliminate illegal levies, known locally as pungli, at the Cirahong Bridge, a critical infrastructure link connecting the Ciamis and Tasikmalaya regencies. The governor’s actions follow the circulation of social media videos documenting unauthorized fees being collected from motorists in exchange for passage across the bridge.

The provincial government’s crackdown on these informal tolls reached a formal turning point on April 5, 2026. On that date, officials installed banners across the bridge area explicitly stating Tidak Dipungut Biaya (No Fee) to notify the public that the access route is free from any form of payment.

Provincial Intervention and Local Resistance

The removal of the unauthorized checkpoints sparked a confrontation between the provincial government and local village leadership. The administration of Margaluyu Village expressed backlash against the removal of the levies, creating a rift between provincial reform efforts and entrenched local practices.

Local village officials eventually halted the resident-led guarding activities to avoid further controversy on social media. To maintain order and prevent the return of illegal collections, the Sat Samapta of the Ciamis Police have increased dialogic patrols in the Cirahong Bridge area.

Infrastructure Improvements and Safety

On April 9, 2026, Governor Dedi Mulyadi conducted an inspection of the bridge to verify that traffic flow had been restored and that the illegal levies had ceased. During the visit, the governor confirmed that the bridge is sturdy and safe for public use, noting that motorcycles can now pass in both directions simultaneously without experiencing congestion.

The governor highlighted that the bridge’s flooring has undergone significant repairs funded by the West Java Provincial Budget (APBD). The repair project was valued at nearly Rp1 billion. To ensure the quality of the infrastructure, the provincial government sourced timber from Sumatra, following recommendations provided by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI).

Transformation into a Tourism Hub

Beyond the removal of illegal fees, Governor Dedi Mulyadi has announced plans to transform the Cirahong Bridge into a Sundanese tourism hub. This redevelopment strategy aims to shift the area from a mere transit point into a regional attraction.

The planned upgrades for the site include:

• Widening the roads leading to the Cirahong Bridge.
• Installing aesthetic lighting to improve the visual appeal of the area.
• Constructing traditional Sundanese-style buildings within the rest area.

These measures are intended to formalize the area’s management and provide a structured economic benefit to the region that does not rely on arbitrary charges imposed on travelers.