The governor has just reported that the Tapin Dam will be able to drastically reduce floods in Tapin District. Only small number of areas will be flooded since Tapin District has the dam.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the Tapin Dam located in Pipitak Jaya Village, Tapin District, South Kalimantan Province, on Thursday.

"Bismillahirrahmanirrahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Kind) today, I inaugurate Tapin Dam in Tapin District, South Kalimantan Province," he stated.

Jokowi remarked that construction of the dam, which began in 2016, cost Rp986 billion.

The dam, with a capacity of 56.7 million cubic meters, plays a significant role in controlling floods and strengthening food security since it can irrigate 5,472 hectares of farmland and supply 0.5 cubic meters of raw water per second, he stated.

The dam can additionally generate 3.3 megawatts of electricity, he remarked.

"The governor has just reported that the Tapin Dam will be able to drastically reduce floods in Tapin District. Only small number of areas will be flooded since Tapin District has the dam," he stated.

The dam is also part of the efforts to handle floods that affect South Kalimantan, he noted.

"In addition to irrigating rice fields, generating electricity, and supplying raw water, (the dam was built) to control floods. As we know, (the recent) floods in South Kalimantan affected a very large area, nearly 10 districts and cities. (We) need comprehensive efforts, starting from the upstream to downstream areas, to handle floods," he stated.

On the occasion, the president also held a dialog with residents whose houses were relocated to make way for constructing the dam.

"What is your comment after the dam was completed? the president asked the residents.

"It is like a dream to meet Mr President," the resident answered.

"My question is about the dam," the president stated.

"With the presence of the dam, we, the local community, both in the downstream and upstream areas, want not merely to be onlookers but also to be empowered through village tourism, so the community can run businesses," he remarked.

"Yes, I forget (to tell). After looking at the beautiful scenery around the dam, (I believe) it can serve as a tourist site not only for Tapi District but also for the rest of South Kalimantan," he noted.
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