"This afternoon, I will request the Public Works Minister to go first to Law No.7/2004 on Water Resources," President Joko Widodo said while opening the meeting.
Earlier, announcing that the meeting will start at 2.30 P.M., Chief Economics Minister Sofyan Djalil said it will discuss the cancellation of the law on water resources management.
"The Constitutional Court (MK) has cancelled the law. We have to respond to it and decide what regulations we are going to work out thereafter," the Chief Economics Minister asserted.
Public Works and Peoples Housing Minister Mochammad Basuki Hadimulyo earlier noted that he respected the MK ruling that cancelled the law on water resources.
He pointed out that with the revocation of the law on water resources, the government will, for the time being, return Law No. 11/1974 on irrigation.
Earlier, on Wednesday, President Joko Widodo, during his visit to Aceh province, asked communities there to control conditions around the dam there so that its water remains at an optimal capacity and can be used for various purposes.
"I entrust (it) to you. When the work on dam is finished, maintain (it)," Jokowi said while inaugurating the construction of Keureutoe Dam in Paya Bakong sub-district, North Aceh, on Monday.
According to him, dam capacity in other provinces was on average 30 to 40 percent of their initial capacities.
"In other provinces, the (dams) capacity is not maximal but only around 30 to 40 percent because of deforestation," Jokowi cited, adding that dam water in Java has turned brown because of mud.
"Here, the Keureutoe river is still clear and forests are still good, so it should be maintained well," the President stated.
Jokowi further remarked that Keureutoe dam will be the largest one to be completed in five years.
"With the allocated budget of Rp1.7 trillion, the dam is expected to be completed within four years. Hopefully well on time," Jokowi added.
The dam will irrigate some 9,500 hectares of paddy fields and control floods in Lhoksukon and surrounding areas, as well as produce 6.34 megawatts.
During his working visit from March 8-10, Jokowi launched Arun liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving and regasification terminal in Jalan Medan-Banda Aceh, Blang Lancang, on Monday. It is expected to contribute to Pertaminas efficiency.
The terminal is managed by PT Perta Arun Gas, which is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas), the subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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