President Jokowi Inaugurates Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya, West Java

President Jokowi inaugurated Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya, regency, West Java province, Thursday (08/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the Leuwikeris Dam, along with the modernization and rehabilitation of the Menganti Irrigation Area, in Tasikmalaya regency, West Java province, on Thursday (08/29). The President mentioned that the Leuwikeris Dam boasts a large inundation area and a massive water storage capacity.

“It has a large inundation area of 243 hectares, and a vast capacity of 81 million cubic meters of water,” he said.

The Head of State mentioned that the Leuwikeris Dam has been under construction since 2016 and has cost Rp3.5 trillion.

“Among the 44 dams I have inaugurated, this is the most expensive one, costing Rp3.5 trillion. Typically, it’s around Rp800 billion to Rp1 trillion, or Rp1.5 trillion at most,” he said.

The President expressed his hope that the Leuwikeris Dam will benefit the community in providing raw water and irrigation, controlling flood, and functioning as a power plant.

“It has been calculated that this dam will be able to irrigate 11,200 hectares of farmland, which will be immensely beneficial for farmers in the region,” he said.

The President also emphasized the vital importance of water, describing water as a source of life, balance, and harmony. However, he cautioned that mismanagement of water could lead to disasters.

“Without water, there will be no food. Therefore, water must be managed wisely, as every drop counts,” he concluded. (KS/DNS) (AY/MUR)