Five new dams strengthen food, energy self-sufficiency: AHY

West Lombok, W. Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The simultaneous inauguration of five strategic dams across Indonesia represents a major part of the government’s strategy to strengthen food, water and energy self-sufficiency, according to Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.

Speaking alongside President Prabowo Subianto at the epicenter of the launches at the Meninting Dam in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Friday, Yudhoyono—popularly known as AHY—revealed that the massive infrastructure projects represent a collective state investment of Rp9.7 trillion (US$536.62 million).

"Today, we are happy as we are inaugurating not only the Meninting Dam, but also five dams in various regions of Indonesia,” AHY noted.

Apart from the Meninting Dam, the four other newly inaugurated facilities are the Sidan Dam in Bali, the Jlantah Dam in Karanganyar Regency in Central Java as well as the Keureuto and Rukoh dams in Aceh.

AHY emphasized that dams hold a highly strategic function, as they not only provide raw water supplies for local communities but also upgrade irrigation services to optimize agricultural productivity.

"With better irrigation, agricultural land that previously only produced one harvest per year can now produce two or three harvests," the coordinating minister explained.

Beyond boosting crop yields, he outlined a broader ecological and economic mandate for the reservoirs.

The modern, regulated dams will serve as critical defenses against mounting hydrometeorological threats, acting as flood-control barriers for downstream communities.

AHY further noted that the reservoirs possess significant potential to serve as sources of new and renewable energy through the development of hydroelectric power generation and the deployment of floating solar panels.

"This is our future because energy needs must be increasingly environmentally friendly, cleaner and sustainable," he stated.

He also pointed out that the scenic and pristine environments surrounding the dam areas offer strong potential to be developed into regional ecotourism and water sports destinations.

Addressing the long construction timelines and deep fiscal commitment required to complete the five projects, he echoed the administration's stance on strict fiscal accountability.

"Every rupiah used to build these dams is the people's money. Therefore, the benefits must return to the people,” AHY concluded.

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Translator: Nur Imansyah, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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