Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of the Kuwil Kawangkoan Dam in North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province, January 19, 2023

Reporter
Mr. President, what do you hope from the construction of this dam?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We hope Kuwil Kawangkoan dam could prevent and reduce floods, especially the ones in Manado, which happened in 2014. Second, it will also be functioned as a raw water supply for Manado, North Minahasa, and Bitung.

Third, it will also be a micro-hydro power plant. I think the dam has this function to produce green energy. Fourth, it will also be able to irrigate the fields around the dam.

Reporter
What did you do in the market, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Just as usual, checking prices of groceries, rice, cooking oil. I suppose North Sulawesi has a stable economic condition with inflation rate maintained in 4% in Manado and its surroundings. It is excellent.

Reporter
Mr. President, will there be more dams built in North Sulawesi?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Another dam, namely Lolak dam, will be completed in coming March or April. It will be better to have more dams because the water can be prevented to flow into the sea. Instead, it can be reserved for all of our needs. Thank you.

Reporters
Thank you, Sir.

(AY/EP)