President Jokowi Emphasizes Water Management as Crucial Energy Resource in Indonesia

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted the vital importance of prudent water management as an energy resource for Indonesia during the inauguration of the Lolak Dam in Bolaang Mongondow District, North Sulawesi, on Friday.

President Jokowi underscored the need for special attention to be given to water management, stating that failure to take preparatory measures now could lead to future burdens associated with water energy.

“In the future, matters related to water energy will burden us if we do not take preparatory measures from now,” President Jokowi stated.

He pointed out that Indonesia, with approximately 4,400 rivers, currently only has 292 dams to control and optimize water usage. In contrast, China boasts 98 thousand dams, while South Korea has 20 thousand dams.

President Jokowi emphasized the economic benefits associated with the presence of dams, citing the example of the newly inaugurated Lolak Dam. With a capacity of 16 million cubic meters of water, the dam can be optimized to irrigate around 2,200 hectares of rice fields in Bolaang Mongondow, a region known for its significant rice production.

The President highlighted the broader advantages for the community, stating, “The existence of this dam can lower the risk of flooding by 29 percent. Moreover, the dam can support the operation of a mini hydropower plant to generate electricity.”

Bolaang Mongondow District, as a major rice-producing region in North Sulawesi Province, is expected to benefit significantly from the water infrastructure provided by the Lolak Dam. President Jokowi expressed his optimism about the dam’s potential to reduce flooding risks and supply raw water to residents, in addition to supporting the operation of a mini hydropower plant.

Accompanied by State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey, President Jokowi expressed hope that the Lolak Dam would bring substantial benefits to the region and the nation as a whole.

“We truly hope that Lolak Dam will be beneficial to all of us,” President Jokowi concluded.