The 2009 annual budget speech of the President also mentioned the plan as part of a program to develop basic infrastructure in Indonesia. However, the bridge will not solve the connection problem, but will actually create new problems.

An economic and technical analysis will show the inferiority of the bridge compared with the much cheaper, quicker to implement and more robust advanced ferry system alternative.

This short article will use a topology argument - a branch of mathematics - to demonstrate that the bridge will not improve the present connectedness of the two islands, but, on the contrary, will reduce connectedness.

To start with, there is an implicit assumption - derivable from a "big island or continental" mindset - that there are only two ways to connect two islands: building a bridge or a tunnel. This mind-set sees a strait like a huge river.

Within this mind-set, connecting the islands with a bridge is similar to building a bridge across a river. There is also another assumption: That building a bridge will automatically promote significant regional economic development.

Your comments:
The Suramadu bridge (less than 20 kilometers) was finally completed by the Chinese consortium recently and was reported by the media that it is the longest bridge of its kind in Asia.

I am amused! It was completed years behind schedule as it was abandoned for quite a while.

It was an uphill task for the Indonesian government to complete. Now the government is considering building this so called Selat Sunda bridge? Why not? Indonesia bisa! This is Indonesia bisa spirit - Indonesia can spirit, which is similar to the Malaysia boleh - Malaysia can! Come on let's give Indonesians the chance to have something to be proud of.

Back to this proposed Selat Sunda bridge again, the uncomfortable reality is this; Selat Sunda bridge will span an area of active volcanoes and earthquakes.

Though mother Krakatau has died, her siblings are very much alive and kicking! If Krakatau junior will open herself up then surely the Selat Sunda bridge will fall to her knees in no time.

And what if father Krakatau decides to shake himself? It will be game over. But come what may. I believe Indonesians do have the spirit. Indonesia goes for it and shows the world that Indonesia Can! Indonesia is emerging! Indonesia is rising! God bless!

Patrick J.B.
Surabaya

It's interesting. I never thought of the situation. Two ports on each island would be equivalent to four distinct bridges connecting the two islands. Building two ports and acquiring a (large) fleet of ferries would be less expensive than building four bridges.

Bambang Soemarwoto
Leiden

I understand this author's point, however his article is so badly written. "Concave", "convex", "domain" and whatever he mentions are technical words. For an important issue like this, you have to present your article in a way that can be understood by the general public. Otherwise, you just come across as a pretentious lecturer.

Helena van der Winden
Jakarta

Come on Winden, this is elementary school math. I think the author of this article is just trying to keep his reasoning as simplistic as possible so that less educated people can understand him. Is it still too complex (=not easy) for you?

Paolo L Scalpini
Toulouse

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