Minister Of Public Works Calls Collaboration The Best Solution To Handle Dam Sedimentation Problems

Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo gave a statement at Jasa Tirta I Public Company Office, Malang City, East Java. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo said that collaboration between the government at the central and regional levels is a solution to handling sedimentation or material deposition problems that can have an impact on the operation of a dam.

Dody said that the handling of sedimentation must be carried out with a structured and massive pattern, so that the work mechanism can run optimally.

"We hope that there will be coordination with local governments from upstream to downstream. Because if that's not the case, it can't be effective, such as the process of dredging the sedimentation," said Dody as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, November 21.

Collaboration, he said, can be done with a pattern of environmental conservation, namely the development process in the regions still looks at the need and area of land that is indeed a water catchment area.

Dody said that his party was committed to involving the role of related agencies under each local government in resolving sedimentation problems in dam areas in Indonesia.

"The most important thing is that we rearrange the upstream. The forest has changed its function to housing, the land absorption area is reduced. If it rains in areas where the sand drops," he said.

He added that the sedimentation problem was coordinated with Jasa Tirta, including related to systematic and technical steps, which until now are still being strengthened.

"We are oriented on how to be efficient, not only irrigate surrounding rice fields, but also make flood control efforts to provide raw water intended for people in the regions," he said.

Cooperation between the central and regional governments will optimize the existence of monitoring devices that have been installed in many dams.

"We always try our best, the technology already has a monitor and is connected. We can know when the water is lacking or more. That's why coordination is carried out with the relevant agencies," concluded Dody.