Vice President Ma'ruf Amin: Dams Play An Important Role In Supporting Food And Energy Security

Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) Ma'ruf Amin said the existence of dams does not only function as a source of raw water, but also plays an important role in supporting food and energy security.

"The existence of dams has a strategic role in supporting human life and the economy. Not only functions as a source of raw water, dams also play an important role in supporting food and energy security," said the Vice President in his remarks at the inauguration of the Cipanas Dam, West Java, which was monitored online in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Tuesday 9 July.

He explained that the dam helps supply water to agricultural land, thereby increasing agricultural production and ultimately has an impact on improving the welfare of farmers.

In addition, said the Vice President, the use of dams as a hydroelectric (PLTA) is also part of the government's efforts to encourage the energy transition to new and renewable energy (EBT).

"In order to increase EBT's contribution in supplying national energy needs, the government has also opened up opportunities for the use of dams for floating solar power plants," said the Vice President.

Then, the Vice President said dams can also be used as flood management facilities during the rainy season and water reservoirs during the dry season.

"For this reason, dams are very important in water resource management in Indonesia," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the existence of the Cipanas Dam, the Vice President said the dam would provide various functions to meet the needs of the community, starting from agricultural irrigation sources, raw water sources, flood control, and power plants.

"In addition, this dam will help increase the intensity of planting and productivity of agricultural land in this area. Don't forget, this dam also has the potential to be used as a new tourist area. So, tourist attractions here," said the Vice President.

The administrative location of the Cipanas Dam is located in two districts, precisely in Cikawung Village, Terisi District, Indramayu Regency, and Cibuluh Village, Ujungjaya District, Sumedang Regency.

The Cipanas Dam construction project starts from 2016 to 2023. With a capacity of 250 million cubic meters, the existence of dams is able to irrigate 9,273 hectares of agricultural land in both districts, so it is hoped that it can increase the planting intensity from once to twice a year.

The Cipanas Dam will supply raw water of 850 liters/second for industrial areas, settlements, Kertajati Airport in the Rebana area (Cirebon-Patimban-Kertajati).

This amount consists of 650 liters/second for Sumedang Regency and 200 liters/second for Indramayu Regency.

In addition, this dam is also useful in reducing flooding as well as potentially becoming a power plant of three megawatts.