The bridge design incorporates relief carvings of Punokawan, characters from traditional Javanese shadow puppetry.
The structure is designed to be earthquake-resistant, an essential feature given its proximity to the active Opak River fault line.
Jembatan Kretek 2 is an integral part of the Jalur Jalan Lintas Selatan (JJLS), a long-term project spanning the entire southern coast of Java.
The bridge deck is elevated to allow for the natural tidal flow of the Opak River into the Indian Ocean.
Construction involved significant environmental mitigation to protect the nearby sand dune ecosystems.
Jembatan Kretek 2 is a 617-meter-long bridge serving as a vital segment of the Southern Java Coastal Road (JJLS) in Bantul, Yogyakarta. It spans the Opak River, connecting the Parangtritis area with the Samas coastline. The structure features iconic arch supports decorated with cultural motifs depicting local wayang characters. Its construction was part of a major infrastructure project aimed at streamlining traffic flow and boosting tourism connectivity between coastal districts. The bridge is elevated, offering expansive views of the river estuary and the surrounding agricultural landscapes of Tirtohargo. It functions primarily as a transit landmark that has become a popular leisure destination due to its aesthetic design and accessibility. The area surrounding the bridge consists of sand dunes, mangrove patches, and coastal wetlands.
The pedestrian walkway mid-span provides the clearest perspective of the arch architecture against the river backdrop.
Park your vehicle in designated areas off the main bridge deck to ensure traffic safety and avoid obstructing the flow.
Bring sun protection as the structure is fully exposed to the elements with minimal shade.
Walk along the pedestrian paths on the sides of the bridge for a safer perspective of the river below.
Do not attempt to walk in the middle of the roadway; stay strictly on the dedicated pedestrian walkways.
