Pamukkulu Dam Aims to Supply Water Rice Fields in Takalar, South Sulawesi
- Setkab.go.id
Sulawesi – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the Pamukkulu Dam in Takalar, South Sulawesi, designed to store and manage rainwater for agricultural productivity.
During Friday's inauguration ceremony, broadcast by his office, the head of state emphasized the importance of water as a vital resource for daily life and agricultural success.
The President highlighted that agricultural production, including rice, has declined globally, potentially leading to famine for 500 million people.
"Water has become an essential commodity," the President highlighted.
Presiden Jokowi.
- Dok. Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden
The dam, whose construction began in 2017, was completed in nearly seven years. Built at a cost of IDR 1.6 trillion (US$95 million), it has a capacity of 82 million cubic meters and an area of inundation reaching 460 hectares.
"This is a large and expensive dam," President Jokowi remarked.
The Head of state also explained that rainwater collected through the dam will provide local people with irrigation water, electricity, and flood control.
"The primary function is irrigation, supplying water for rice fields in Takalar and surrounding areas,"
To further boost agricultural productivity in South Sulawesi, the government has distributed 80 water pumps to Bantaeng district, part of a national program aiming to distribute 20,000 pumps.
These pumps are expected to support rice field irrigation and agricultural activities, mitigating the drought predicted for July to October.
