Could a bridge link peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra in future?

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A bridge connecting peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra could be a future possibility.

The Indonesian government is currently studying the feasibility of constructing a bridge to link peninsular Malaysia with Sumatra. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Indonesia to expand and enhance its network of toll highways, with a significant investment planned to improve connectivity across its dispersed islands. President Joko Widodo has outlined plans to allocate US$70 billion (RM290 billion) towards the development of tolled highways, which could potentially include a direct link to Malaysia.
Indonesian Government Study Underway

Indonesia's toll-road regulator, Danang Parikesit, has indicated that a study is being conducted into the possibility of building a bridge that would span from peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. This potential infrastructure project is being considered alongside other connectivity initiatives, such as a bridge linking Singapore to Bintan island, as part of Indonesia's ambitious plans to improve transportation and logistics within the archipelago.
Expansion of Indonesia's Toll Highway Network

The proposed bridge project is intrinsically linked to Indonesia's extensive plans for its toll highway system. President Joko Widodo aims to invest US$70 billion (RM290 billion) in developing tolled highways that will connect the nation's many islands. By 2024, the length of Indonesia's fee-charging highways is projected to nearly triple, reaching 5,400km. A significant portion of this expansion, over half, is slated for Sumatra, with the aim of facilitating the movement of goods and resources across the vast Indonesian territory.
Previous Considerations for a Malaysia-Sumatra Link

The concept of a physical connection between peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra is not entirely new. In 2014, the Melaka state government had previously explored the revival of a bridge proposal that originated in 2006. This earlier proposal aimed to establish a link between Melaka and Dumai in Riau, Sumatra. The genesis of such a project can be traced back to the 1990s, though it was ultimately shelved following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

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Could a bridge link peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra in future?

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