Speaking during the inauguration of the dam on Thursday, Jokowi remarked that the development of Leuwikeris Dam began in 2016 and was funded by the state budget, or APBN.
The president stated that his government had earlier constructed and inaugurated a total of 44 dams, but none of them cost as much as the 45th one.
"In general, a dam costs Rp800 billion (USD52 million), Rp1 trillion (USD65 million), or Rp1.5 trillion (USD97 million)," he pointed out.
The president then underlined that Leuwikeris is a grand dam having a wide inundation area of 243 hectares, with a capacity of 81 million cubic meters of water.
The head of state expressed hope that the budget-heavy new dam would proffer a range of benefits, helping with the prevention and control of floods while providing a source of electricity.
In addition, Jokowi remarked that the Leuwikeris Dam can also help irrigate 11,200 hectares of agricultural area.
The president inaugurated the dam, situated in an area bordering the districts of Tasikmalaya and Ciamis, by signing an inscription. The inauguration was also marked by the installation of a replica of kujang, a traditional weapon of West Java.
The president arrived at the dam area at around 11 a.m. local time in the company of First Lady Iriana, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and representatives of local governments.
The latest dam officiated by Jokowi prior to Leuwikeris is the Margatiga Dam located in East Lampung, Lampung Province. He inaugurated the dam on August 26.
Under President Jokowi's leadership, the Indonesian government aims to build a total of 61 dams.
Related news: Jokowi inaugurates Leuwikeris Dam in Tasikmalaya, West Java
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Translator: Feri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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