Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the Presidential Staff (KSP) Moeldoko said he would coordinate with the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry to accelerate the construction of dams and irrigation networks in two districts in Aceh.

"It is necessary to accelerate these efforts through coordination with the PUPR Ministry. KSP will follow these up so it can be prioritized," Moeldoko said, after receiving Acting District Heads of Pidie Wahyudi Adisiswanto and of Aceh Tamiang District, Meurah Budiman, here on Wednesday.

According to Moeldoko, about 3,000 hectares of land in Aceh Tamiang and 11,950 hectares in Pidie will be built with dams and irrigation networks.

The existence of dams and irrigation networks can support the districts in contributing to the national food security program.

As stated by the KSP, dams and irrigation networks in Aceh Tamiang and Pidie are needed because the agricultural sector there still relies on rain and often experiences drought during the dry season.

In addition, the water of Krueng Baro River, which is the main water source in Baro Raya, Pidie District, is no longer adequate.

"The existence of dams and irrigation not only improves the economy of farming communities, but it also overcomes other social problems," Moeldoko said.

Further, said Moeldoko, the absence of adequate water sources and technical irrigation systems for agricultural land decreases people's or farmers' economic productivity, which leads to other social problems, such as unemployment, poverty, and an increase in crime and violence.

"KSP helped solve problems in Wadas, Central Java, which has land and social problems. I think the same scheme can be implemented in Aceh," Moeldoko said.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has always sought the completion of various national strategic projects (PSN) until 2024, the KSP Chief said.

The administration of President Jokowi-Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, he added, is committed to working to serve the community until their 2019-2024 term is over.

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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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