Jokowi Inaugurates $70 Billion Tapin Dam in Indonesia’s South Kalimantan

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Thursday inaugurated Tapin Dam in South Kalimantan.

Upon arrival at the Syamsudin Noor Air Base in Banjarbaru, Jokowi immediately proceeded to the venue in Tapin regency by the Indonesian Air Force Super Puma helicopter.

The development of the 986 billion Indonesian rupiahs ($70 billion) dam began in 2015. 

"The dam was first built about five years ago and it is completed now, using a total budget of 986 billion Indonesian rupiahs ($70 billion), or almost a trillion rupiah," said Jokowi in a televised address on Thursday, February 18.

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Jokowi went on to say that this dam has a capacity of 56.7 million cubic meters of water.

Besides, the Tapin Dam also has an important role in controlling floods and strengthening food security because it will provide irrigation services in an area of about 5,472 hectares (ha) in the Tapin regency.

"This dam also provides raw water for 0.50 cubic meters per second. And it also generates 3.3 megawatts of electricity. That's huge," said Jokowi.

"Earlier, the Governor [of South Kalimantan] has also conveyed that the flood can be reduced drastically. Only very small areas are affected by the flood," he added.

Furthermore, he also mentioned that about 10 districts or cities in South Kalimantan need comprehensive flood management from upstream to downstream. So, he reminded the South Kalimantan governor to carry out land rehabilitation.

The Tapin Dam is part of Jokowi's development programs of 65 large dams in the country.

During the visit, the president is also scheduled to inspect the resettlement of people affected by the dam's construction.

(Writers: Dian Erika Nugraheny, Fitria Chusna Farisa | Editor: Diamanty Meiliana)

Sources:https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/18/11252121/presiden-jokowi-resmikan-bendungan-tapin-di-kalimantan-selatan

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/18/12065771/jokowi-bendungan-tapin-kalsel-berperan-penting-kendalikan-banjir