Minister of PU Tetap Bangun Dam during Emergency Response, Admits to President

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo admitted that he still worked on the construction of flood control infrastructure even though it was carried out in an emergency response condition.

He said the decision was taken to prevent a greater impact of the disaster, especially in the Sumatra region.

"So, I have admitted my mistake to Mr. President (Prabowo Subianto) during the meeting in Sentul. Because I was forced to work on rehabilitation and reconstruction work in an emergency response condition," Dody said at a press conference at his office, Friday, April 10.

According to him, the acceleration of construction was carried out because the risk of subsequent flooding was still high. He cited the condition in Aceh which was again hit by flooding.

"If it is not immediately carried out, then more severe flooding will occur and now it has been proven that it is starting to flood again in Aceh," he said.

The construction of dams continues at around 188 locations. Some of these projects are even in national park areas and have received support from the Ministry of Forestry.

Dody emphasized that this step was part of a preventive effort to strengthen infrastructure in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra in accordance with Prabowo's instructions.

"He was a little angry, but it's okay because it's necessary," he said.

Apart from dam construction, the PU Ministry is also accelerating the repair and construction of bridges, especially on the Medan-Banda Aceh strategic route.

He said a number of bridges were permanently fixed to ensure the smooth flow of logistics, especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026.

"Especially regarding logistics, whether fuel, rice and so on," said Dody.

Dody explained that the National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN) has also moved to remote areas. If there are still bridges that have not been built, the government will prepare a temporary bridge.

"So, Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra are still the main priority besides other programs such as food self-sufficiency," he added.