JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has accelerated the construction of a dam in the upstream area of the Tukka River Basin (DAS), Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, as a strategic step to control flash floods.
Minister PU Dody Hanggodo said that the construction of the sabotage dam was targeted to be completed in May 2026 through the design and build scheme so that implementation would be more efficient and faster.
Dody targets that physical work can immediately begin through this scheme.
"The target for May 2026 must be completed. Today we start the design and build process and work must begin immediately," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Wednesday, February 18.
The construction of the sabo dam is a priority because it serves to hold the material brought in from the upstream river which often triggers flooding and damage during heavy rains. Dody explained, the sabo dam is designed to hold wood debris, rocks, and sand carried by the current.
He also asked for the work to be done as quickly as possible. According to Dody, the flood conditions could be repeated if it rained for more than two hours, so that control infrastructure must be immediately available.
"We will accelerate the construction of the sabo dam from the upstream because the sabo dam is able to withstand the pressure of wood debris, stones and sand. I ask that the work be done quickly," he said.
The previous flood was triggered by the overflow of Aek Tukka and Aek Sigala which flowed into the Tukka River Basin. High rainfall caused the tributaries to carry large amounts of material to the residents' settlements.
The flow of sand, wood and stone caused puddles in a number of areas and disrupted community activities. Dody assessed that, although the location is upstream with a challenging access, acceleration is still the responsibility of the government.
"The location is indeed upstream with more challenging access, but this is our responsibility so that the community is not affected by flooding again," said Dody.
In addition to building the sabo dam, the PU Ministry through the Central River Basin Agency (BBWS) Sumatra II has taken emergency response steps.
The efforts include river normalization, embankment repair, cleaning of wood and sediment materials, and environmental arrangement around the river channel.
To speed up the handling, a number of heavy equipment have been deployed, including backhoe loaders, dozers, dump trucks, excavators, excavator grapplers, excavator long arms, and mini excavators.
"We are committed to continuing to accelerate the handling of flood control infrastructure to reduce the risk of repeated disasters, protect the community, and maintain the sustainability of social and economic activities in North Sumatra," he added.
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