17-10-2023 (JAKARTA) The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) in Indonesia has revealed the need for the construction of 300 more dams to anticipate the growing risk of natural disasters, particularly water crises caused by climate change.
Speaking on Monday, ministry spokesperson Endra S. Atmawidjaja stated that the decision to build more dams is based on calculations of the safe capacity required to address the ongoing domestic water crisis. The ministry has already constructed 60 dams in the last decade to enhance water security. However, a recent study conducted by the ministry has indicated that this number is insufficient, warranting the need for an additional 300 dams.
At the “Global Collaboration to Anticipate Water Crisis as Impact of Climate Change” online discussion held by Forum Merdeka 9, Atmawidjaja emphasized that climate change and the El-Nino phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean have resulted in prolonged and severe droughts across various regions in Indonesia. These prolonged droughts have significant implications for food security, necessitating proactive measures to be taken.
Atmawidjaja stressed the importance of farmers not missing the opportunity to plant rice, corn, and other food crops. Therefore, the ministry has included the construction of additional dams in its strategic plan to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.
He highlighted that a higher number of dams would enhance a country’s ability to store water and utilize it for agricultural purposes during the dry season. Recognizing the urgent need to address water crises in several regions, Atmawidjaja affirmed that the ministry will expedite the construction of crucial dams.
In line with this commitment, the Directorate General of Water Resources within the ministry has allocated a budget of Rp21.5 trillion (US$1.3 billion) to complete the construction of 15 vital dams by 2024.
