During his visit, the head of state was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, and discussed about dams throughout the country that have increased the planting index, with the national average, according to the Statistics Indonesia (BPS), at 147 percent.
"(The presence of dams) increases the planting index, which is currently the national average of BPS at 147 percent, with 231 dams. Thus, with the addition of 61 dams, we can increase it to 200 percent," Hadimuljono noted in a statement received in Jakarta, Friday.
The index value is expected to continue to rise once several dam construction projects are completed.
Hadimuljono explained that with a planting index of 147 percent, the national rice production reached 31 million tons per year, surpassing the needs of national consumption.
On the other hand, national rice consumption reaches 28 million tons per year. Hence, Indonesia has not imported rice in the last three years.
Hadimuljono expressed optimism that the presence of several dams that are still under construction would increase the cropping index.
As a result, national rice production can reach 40 million tons per year by 2045.
"Hence, later, in 2045, if it can reach 200 percent, then it can produce 40 million tons. The surplus can be up to 10 million tons," Hadimuljono stated.
President Jokowi inaugurated Sindangheula Dam on March 4, 2021. The dam was built with a budget of Rp451 billion and has a capacity of 9.30 million cubic meters.
The presence of the dam in Serang District can provide irrigation benefits for approximately 1,289 hectares of local rice fields.
The head of state expects that the presence of the dam can spur agricultural productivity in the surrounding area.
"We hope that this dam would provide great added value for farmers in Banten in ensuring the availability of sufficient water, so that they are more productive and can maintain food security," the president stated at the inauguration.
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Translator: Mentari D, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Sri Haryati
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