The Progress Is 85.6 Percent, The Construction Of The Bulango Ulu Dam Is Targeted To Be Completed By The End Of 2025

The construction of the Bulango Ulu Dam in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. Photo: Doc. Ministry of Public Works

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) reported that the progress of the construction of the Bulango Ulu Dam in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, had reached 85.6 percent until August 1, 2025.

PU Minister Dody Hanggodo said that the construction of the Bulango Ulu Dam was an effort to support the national food self-sufficiency program through the provision of water for irrigation, water security and reduced flood risk.

It is known, the dam is also one of the national strategic infrastructure projects.

"The Ministry of Public Works targets the construction to be completed by the end of 2025, hopefully it can run smoothly according to plan," said Dody as quoted from his written statement, Friday, August 8.

Dody explained, Bulango Ulu has a total capacity of 140.95 million cubic meters with an effective volume of 58.61 million cubic meters.

In addition to providing raw water of 2,200 liters per second and irrigating 4,950 hectares of irrigation, the dam also functions as flood control for an area of 629 hectares.

Not only that, but the Bulango Ulu Dam can also be a microhydro power plant (PLTMH) with a capacity of 4.96 MW and the potential for tourism development in the dam area.

He added that the project was carried out through two main packages. Package I includes the construction of access roads, bridges, main piles (main dams) as well as cleaning inundation areas. While package II includes delegation buildings, evaders, hydromechanicals and other dam facilities.

"In addition to the main construction, the construction of public facilities such as the UPB office; official residence; prayer room; multipurpose hall; gate; and guard posts also continue to run, strengthening the integration of dam areas as service centers and post-development operational supervision," said Dody.

According to Dody, one of the main challenges in completing the project is land acquisition. It is known, out of a total of 1,723 plots of land, 75.91 percent or 1,231 fields have been released.

"The rest is still in the process of administrative settlement, either through consignment, court determination and further coordination with local governments," he said.

Furthermore, said Dody, the main physical work, such as piles of play dams, spillways and pick-up buildings, continues to be encouraged to be completed according to the target.

Other important agendas, such as plugging & impressioning, installation of a hydromechanical system to landscape arrangement are planned to be completed in stages until mid-2026.

"With the cooperation of all parties, the Ministry of Public Works is optimistic that the Bulango Ulu Dam can be completed soon and provide tangible benefits for the people of Gorontalo and its surroundings," he added.