President Jokowi Inspects Mbay Dam in E. Nusa Tenggara

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo arrives in Nagekeo regency, Tuesday (12/05), to continue his journey to East Nusa Tenggara. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

On the second day of his working visit to East Nusa Tenggara province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (12/05) departed for Nagekeo regency onboard the Indonesian National Air Force’s Super Puma.

The President and his entourage took off from Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, Manggarai regency, at 07.30 Central Indonesia Time.

Upon arrival in Nagekeo regency, President Jokowi is set to inspect the ongoing construction progress of the Mbay Dam.

Afterwards, the President will visit the local market to check on staple food prices and distribute social assistance to the community.

In addition, President Jokowi is also slated to tour the Dunga Warehouse Complex to inspect rice supplies in Nagekeo regency and distribute food assistance of government rice reserve to several beneficiary families.

In the afternoon, President Jokowi is scheduled to return to West Manggarai regency to visit Anak Munting Retention Basin and join the plant trees activity with local community.

While inspecting the Mbay Dam, the President highlighted that the construction of the dam is a crucial measure taken by the Government to achieve national food sovereignty.

“Building these dams and improving irrigation align with our broader strategy to enhance food security and sovereignty,” he said.

On that occasion, the Head of State said that construction of the Mbay Dam, with a capacity of up to 51 million cubic meters of water, began at the end of 2021 and is projected to conclude by the end of 2024.

“The dam, with a capacity of 51 million cubic meters of water, is designed to irrigate around 4,200 hectares, with an additional development of 1,900 hectares,” he continued.

The President also expressed hope that the dam would boost rice production in Nagekeo regency by up to two and a half-fold.

“We hope that the completion of the Mbay Dam will lead to a significant increase in rice production in Nagekeo Regency, potentially reaching a two and a half-fold growth, or a 250 percent increase,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/MUR)