It was inaugurated in 1977 by President Suharto as part of the regional infrastructure development plan.
The project was executed by Leighton Contractors, an Australian firm that operated in Indonesia during the 1970s.
The bridge was built to facilitate the movement of workers and oil equipment for the Chevron Pacific Indonesia operations in the Rumbai area.
It is frequently referred to by locals as Jembatan Leighton to distinguish it from the newer Siak II and Siak III bridges.
The steel used for the bridge was imported and assembled specifically to withstand the humid tropical environment of Riau.
Jembatan Siak 1, also known as the Leighton Bridge, is a historic steel truss bridge crossing the Siak River in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Completed in 1977, it was the first bridge to span the Siak River, significantly improving connectivity between the city center and the Rumbai district. The bridge is named after the Australian contractor Leighton Contractors, which led its construction. It serves as a vital transportation link, supporting heavy traffic flow between the central business district and the northern suburbs. The structure features a distinctive green-painted steel frame design. It is situated in the Meranti Pandak area, offering views of the river and local boat traffic. Despite the construction of newer bridges, it remains an iconic landmark representing the city's infrastructure development in the late 20th century.
The riverbank area in the Meranti Pandak vicinity offers the best vantage point for capturing the full span of the bridge.
Visit during the early evening to experience the transition from daylight to the city lights reflecting on the river.
Park your vehicle in a secure nearby area rather than stopping on the bridge itself, as traffic is heavy and stopping is restricted.
Be aware of strong winds that can occur while walking on the bridge pedestrian paths.
Do not attempt to park or stop your vehicle on the bridge deck, as this causes significant traffic congestion and is prohibited.
