Five Rp9.79 Trillion Dams Inaugurated, Prabowo Targets to Produce 1 Million Tons of Rice

President Prabowo Subianto (Photo: Presidential Media Team)

LOMBOK - President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated five dams in Aceh, Bali, Central Java and Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The inauguration was carried out simultaneously in Lombok, Friday, July 10. He said the project worth around Rp. 9.79 trillion must be felt immediately by farmers, not stop as a large building that is only beautiful to see.

Prabowo said the construction of the dam took a long time, cost a lot, and continuity between governments. Therefore, he said his predecessors had a part in the project.

"Nation-building is not one year, not two years, dozens of years, decades," said Prabowo in his speech.

According to Prabowo, the five dams that were inaugurated are an important part of the food security agenda. With the best technology and seeds, he estimates that the dams can support the production of up to one million tons of rice.

"Imagine, today we are inaugurating these five dams. Later, with technology, with the best seeds, we can produce one million tons of rice," he said.

Prabowo emphasized that water from the dam must really reach farmers. He asked that the dam be managed and maintained properly because farmers are food producers.

"I entrust the maintenance of these dams well. Manage it well. Take care of it well. Make sure that the water needed by farmers reaches the farmers," said Prabowo.

He said no country could be strong if it was not able to produce its own food. Therefore, the construction of dams must be read as part of efforts to strengthen domestic production.

"Without food, there is no country," he said.

Prabowo also said that Indonesia had begun to record progress in the food sector. He said the government had lowered fertilizer prices and recorded a rice surplus.

According to the President, Indonesia, which previously imported a lot of food, is now starting to receive requests from other countries.

"From us importing, importing, importing, now we have started to export food to other countries," he said.

Prabowo said a number of countries had requested food supplies from Indonesia, including Brazil, the Philippines, and India.

He asked regional heads in NTB to lead wisely and ensure that the policies taken are in the interests of the little people.

"Manage your people. Use common sense policies. Avoid the intention to get rich at the expense of small people," said Prabowo.