President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has been highly committed to building dams since he first took office in 2014. Today, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, he celebrated the inauguration of the 40th dam constructed during his administration. The reason for this extensive focus on dam construction, he explained, is the growing water crisis affecting many countries worldwide.
During the inauguration of the Ameroro Dam and the revitalization of the Wakatobi National Tourism Strategic Area in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Jokowi elaborated on the government’s strategy. “Why are we building these dams? We are aware that several countries are now facing what is called a water crisis. It’s becoming extremely difficult to get water,” Jokowi said in his speech.
As a former Governor of Jakarta, Jokowi understands the critical importance of water in daily life. He pointed out that dams play a crucial role in capturing and storing water from upstream sources before it reaches the sea.
“Therefore, we must not allow water to flow directly to the ocean without making use of it. Since 2020, we have been constructing the Ameroro Dam. This is the 40th dam we have built, completed at the end of 2023,” he added.
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The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has set an ambitious target of building 61 dams from 2014 to 2024. So far, 40 of these dams have been completed. The Ameroro Dam, which is the 40th, is located in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi. Its construction began in 2020 and was finished by the end of 2023, with a total cost of Rp 1.57 trillion.
Jokowi detailed the dam’s significant capacity and impact: “The Ameroro Dam has a storage capacity of 88 million cubic meters and covers a reservoir area of 398 hectares. We hope this dam will significantly reduce flooding in the Konawe area.”
During his speech, Jokowi also emphasized the broader benefits of such projects. “We believe that the benefits will be far greater than the funds spent on constructing the Ameroro Dam,” he stated.
In addition to the dam, Jokowi took the opportunity to inaugurate the revitalized Wakatobi National Tourism Strategic Area. He highlighted the various improvements made, including the renovation of the town square, the Oyamba peak area, and the Sumbu Dive area. These enhancements are expected to boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
“The development of these strategic areas is crucial for boosting tourism and local economies,” Jokowi noted. “We are committed to ensuring that the infrastructure supports sustainable growth and improves the quality of life for the local communities.”
This comprehensive approach to infrastructure development underscores Jokowi’s commitment to addressing Indonesia’s critical needs while fostering long-term economic growth. By prioritizing such projects, the government aims to enhance water security, reduce natural disaster risks, and promote regional development. That is why Jokowi has been highly committed to building dams.
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