Ampera Bridge

The Ampera Bridge is not only functional as a crossing between the banks of the Musi River it is also a tourist attraction and the bridge has become the symbol of the city of Palembang.

The Ampera (Amanat Penderitan Rakyat) bridge is also being called the Golden Gate bridge of Indonesia, as it is almost as impressive. Here are some numbers:

• Length: 1117 meters
• Central part: 71.90 meters
• Width: 22 meters
• Height above water: 11.5 meters
• Tower Height: 63 meters
• Distance between towers: 75 meters
• Weight: 944 tons

The bridge was built in April 1962 and was originally named Bung Karno's Bridge but was replaced with the current name Ampera Bridge in 1966. The Ampera Bridge is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia.

The middle part of the bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass through the Musi River which would otherwise collide with the bridge. Each of the two towers raising the middle part can lift 500 tons, lifting at a speed of 10 meters per minute. When the bridge is raised vessels on the river Musi with a width of 60 meters and a height of 44.50 meters can pass through.

But due to the traffic congestion caused by this unique characteristic of the bridge, it was decided in 1970 to stop with this procedure. In 1990 the two counterweights were also removed, finalizing this decision.

The bridge is now one of the main tourist attractions in Palembang. Therefore, a visit to Palembang would not be complete without having been to and taking pictures at the Ampera bridge. The sight of the bridge in the evening, decorated with lights reflected by the water of the Musi river is a beautiful sight and has become the pride of the people of Palembang.