The government has targeted to construct 65 reservoirs and irrigation dams to enable the progress and development of the country`s agriculture, he told local farmers in Pardasuka Subdistrict, Pringsewu District, Lampung Province, on Saturday.
Compared to many other countries, the reservoirs and irrigation dams possessed by Indonesia have been left behind. This condition is not only found in Lampung but also in many other provinces, including East and West Nusa Tenggara, he said.
During the meeting, Jokowi conveyed his happiness to be with the farmers as he had lived in a village and was used to walking through the muddy paths of rice fields.
"I am a villager," he told the attendants of the meeting, which took place under a tent set up on the sub-district`s farming area.
Due to rainfall, the farming area was wet and muddy. But, the president and First Lady Iriana Jokowi looked unaffected. They walked to a stage through a flat wood that the organizing committee had prepared.
Having a meeting with the local farmers is one of his agenda during his visit to Lampung on Saturday. He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Coordinator for Presidential Staff Teten Masduki, and Lampung Governor Ridho Ficardo.
Earlier on the day, the incumbent president, who attempts to get reelected in next year`s presidential race, joined a fun walk event at the Tugu Adipura circle of Bandarlampung city. He officiated the event organized as part of his presidential campaign activities.
Editing by Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
