The Story Behind the Bridge

The bridge isn’t for vehicles; it’s a bridge for trains. Some brave people use the bridge to across the river. Located in my husband’s home town (Bumiayu, Central Java, Indonesia), the bridge is very famous. Local people are used to call it Saka Limalas (Fifteen Bridge); as there are 15 big poles support the bridge.

Two poles had ever broken (one pole totally collapsed) for the severe flood; about thirty years ago. A farmer became a hero that day. The very hard rain didn’t stop him. He ran and stood at the edge of the bridge while waving his burned shirt (using a tree branch) to stop the coming train. His brave act saved many lives!

The Indonesia President at that time invited the farmer to meet the President at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. As appreciation for his noble deed, the President asked what kind of gift the farmer’s want. He asked nothing for himself; but he requested the President to build an elementary school in his village. The school still exists until now. A statue (a man who’s waving a clothed branch) was also built in the front of the school; to appreciate the real hero’s service.

The hero is still alive and now he’s already an old man. He owns a small but very successful eating place near the river. I’ve ever met him several times. This bridge and river was captured from his eating place.

Watery Wednesday