Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Paselloreng Dam and Gilireng Weir, 9 September 2021 in Arajang Village, Gilireng Sub-district, Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good afternoon,

May peace be upon us all.

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing and Cabinet Secretary attending this event;

Distinguished Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission V;

Distinguished Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Chief of the Indonesian National Police attending this event;

Distinguished hosts, Governor of South Sulawesi and Regent of Wajo;

Farmers, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Alhamdulillah, thank God the Almighty, Paselloreng Dam situated in Wajo regency, South Sulawesi province, which has been constructed since 2015, is now completed and ready to operate. Paselloreng Dam which spent Rp771 billion of budget and is coupled with Gilireng Weir for irrigation system is expected to support South Sulawesi as the national food estate area.

We are aware that water supply is needed to materialize food security, while the water will be secured if we have many dams to ensure sustainable water supply. By December this year, we have completed and will complete the construction of 17 dams. We hope the dams, this dam can strengthen and improve our food security.

With a total capacity of 138 million cubic meters of water, the dam is very large in size and has a large capacity. It can accommodate 138 million cubic meters of water with an inundation area of 1,258 hectares. The dam can also irrigate 8,500 hectares of land. We hope the water supply can increase planting season from one to two or three [times]. Therefore, it will increase production of crops and improve farmers’ well-being.

The dam also serves to preserve water security, reduce flood from Gilireng River as it discharges 489 cubic meters of water per second, and provide raw water to six sub-districts in Wajo regency with a capacity of 145 liter per second. It also provides conservation purposes, supports tourism in conservation areas, and generates additional income for the people.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the Paselloreng Dam and Gilireng Weir in Wajo regency, South Sulawesi province officially inaugurated today.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RAS/MUR)