"Dams have a strategic role in supporting human life and the economy. Apart from providing raw water, it also plays an important role in supporting food and energy security," Amin noted in his remarks at the inauguration of Cipanas Dam, West Java, followed virtually in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to the vice president, dams help supply water to agricultural land, thereby increasing agricultural production and improving the farmers' welfare.
Amin highlighted that the use of dams as hydroelectric power plants (PLTA) is also part of the government's efforts to encourage energy transition towards new and renewable energy (NRE).
"To increase the contribution of NRE in supplying national energy needs, the government is also exploring opportunities to use dams for floating solar power plants," he stated.
Furthermore, the vice president affirmed that dams help manage floods in the rainy season and aid in water storage in the dry season.
Related news: 42 dams built in 2015--2023 for food security: govt
Amin highlighted various functions of Cipanas Dam to meet community needs, starting from providing agricultural irrigation to raw water sources and aiding flood control and electricity generation.
"The Cipanas Dam will help to increase the planting intensity and productivity of agricultural land in this area. This dam also has the potential as a tourist attraction," he remarked.
The project to construct the Cipanas Dam took place from 2016 to 2023. With a capacity of 250 million cubic meters, the dam can irrigate 9,273 hectares of agricultural land in the districts of Indramayu and Sumedang which is expected to increase planting intensity from once to twice a year.
Cipanas Dam will supply 850 liters per second of raw water to industrial areas, residential areas, and Kertajati Airport in the Rebana area (Cirebon-Patimban-Kertajati).
This supply comprises 650 liters per second for Sumedang District and 200 liters per second for Indramayu District.
This dam is also useful in reducing flooding and has the potential to become a three-megawatt electricity generator.
Related news: World Water Council lauds Indonesia for massive dam-building
Translator: Benardy Ferdiansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
