Government To Be Focused On Building Waterworks Infrastructures

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The government through the Public Works and Housing Ministry will be focused on development of waterworks infrastructure such as dams, in various areas to support the program to strengthen food security.

"The availability many water reservoirs would contribute to the government's program in food security," said Director General of Water Resources Mudjiadi in a written statement here on last weekend.

Based on data at the Public Works and Housing Ministry  Indonesia has 230 dams  and 203 of which were built by the ministry.

Among the highest dams are Cirata  in the regency of Purwakarta, in West Java and Wadas Lintang  in the regency of  Kebumen, in Central Java.

The largest dam  is Jatiluhur  in the regency of Purwakarta, with water volume of 2,556 million cubic meters.

The dams are for irrigation, to generate hydroelectric, to control flooding to supply drinking water  and as tourism objects.

In 2016, the public works and housing ministry plans to build eight more dams including Rukoh  in  Aceh,  Sukoharjo in Lampung, Kuwil Kawangkoan in North Sulawesi,  and  Ladongi in Southeast Sulawesi, Ciawi in West Java, Sukamahi, Leuwikeris  and Cipanas in West Java.

Meanwhile, Hermanto Dardak, head of the Area Infrastructure Development Agency  (BPIW)  noted disparity between the western and eastern parts of the country in infrastructure development.

Intervention by the government is needed to cope with the lopsidedness through integrated planning with regional approaches.

Eastern Indonesia with its high potentials  is expected to be the growth center in the future for the country.  (WDY)