2-11-2023 (JAKARTA) The Banyumas City Police in Indonesia have pressed charges of negligence against Edi Suseno, the owner and manager of the Geong glass bridge, in relation to a recent tragic accident at the popular tourist site in Central Java. Investigators have also discovered that Suseno owns two other similar attractions in the area.
Banyumas City Police chief Edy Suranta Sitepu announced on October 25 that Suseno, a 63-year-old suspect, had been detained and designated as a suspect. It was determined that Suseno personally designed the glass bridge, a portion of which collapsed, resulting in the death of one person and injuring three others.
Further investigations revealed that the structure lacked the necessary licenses and failed to meet operational standards and safety regulations, including the absence of feasibility studies.
The owner of the bridge has been charged under Articles 359 and 360 of the Criminal Code. Article 359 pertains to negligence leading to another person’s death, while Article 360 addresses negligence resulting in injury to another individual.
“He is accused of committing negligence that resulted in either death or serious injury, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison,” stated Edy.
According to Edy, the suspect is the owner of three glass bridges, including one located in the Limpakuwus Pine Forest and another in Guci, both situated in Central Java. As a result of the incident, the two additional glass bridges have been closed to the public, with local police enforcing the closure of the attraction in Guci.
During the investigation of the Geong bridge, authorities discovered that the C-shaped canal connecting the T-shaped bridge had been joined through welding. However, experts found that the welding work was uneven, resulting in a wavy pattern.
“According to experts, placing the glass on a wavy surface leads to deflection or vibration, ultimately causing the glass to break,” explained Edy.
Additionally, the police found that the foam placed on the glass, which is intended to alleviate strain and dampen vibrations, had not properly set and had deteriorated over time.
Furthermore, no information boards or visitor advisories were present at the entrance to the Limpakuwus glass bridge, indicating a lack of sufficient safety measures.
