"Water resource infrastructure is very important to achieve food self-sufficiency. One example is the construction of a dam, which then distributes water through primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation systems directly to agricultural land," said Dody in a press statement, Wednesday.
The dam's primary purpose is to regulate the flow of the Bagong River, providing a consistent water supply for the 977-hectare Bagong Irrigation Area.
With a capacity of 17.40 million cubic meters and a supply rate of 153 liters per second, it serves the sub-districts of Trenggalek, Pogalan, and Bendungan.
The project is also expected to significantly mitigate flooding by reducing the river's discharge by 78.44 percent, benefiting several sub-districts.
In addition to its agricultural and flood-control functions, the minister hopes the dam will become a tourist destination and support conservation efforts for the Bagong River Basin.
Construction, which began in December 2018, is on track to be completed by 2028.
As of late August 2025, the project was 77.29 percent complete. Hanggodo believes a year-round water supply will drastically reduce harvest failures, especially during droughts, thereby improving farmers' livelihoods.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to building dams to ensure national food security.
Translator: Aji Cakti, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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