JAKARTA - The government has started the construction of eight dam dams as lava and sediment control of Mount Marapi in Nagari Sungai Jambu, Pariangan District, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province (Sumbar).
This was confirmed after the Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo laid the first stone or groundbreaking for the construction of eight sabo dams in the area today.
Dody explained that the construction of the sabo dam is a manifestation of the state's responsibility in protecting the community from disaster risk.
"This construction is part of the rehabilitation and reconstruction program for infrastructure after the eruption and mudflow of Mount Marapi 2024, as well as strengthening the mitigation and handling system for post-disaster mudflows in West Sumatra," Dody said in an official statement, Tuesday, March 3.
The eight initial dam sabots have a total sediment retention capacity of around 440,000 square meters and are targeted to be completed by the end of 2027.
The development of water infrastructure will be carried out based on the comprehensive sediment control master plan of Mount Marapi.
"With the support of accelerating land provision by the local government," he said.
He emphasized the importance of the involvement of local communities in the construction of the dam.
Moreover, this is in accordance with the instructions of President Prabowo Subianto who instructed that the local community should not only be spectators, but should play an active role in development.
"We will prioritize the use of local materials and labor so that the benefits are felt directly by the community," he said.
The sabotage dam is expected to protect agricultural land of around 9.56 hectares, settlements with a total of 37,200 residents, and maintain the national road along approximately 2.1 kilometers, so that it remains functional.
Overall, the PU Ministry plans to build 56 sabo dams on 24 rivers in the Mount Marapi area gradually as part of the long-term handling of cold lava floods.
In Phase I (TA 2025-2027), eight dam sabots and one series of river training works will be built. In detail, five units in Tanah Datar Regency and three units in Agam Regency, as well as river training works on the Pagu-Pagu River / River, Tanah Datar Regency.
Not only that, the PU Ministry also prepared a follow-up rehabilitation and reconstruction program for the period 2026-2029, including the construction of 10 sabo dams and 22 check dams in Tanah Datar, Agam, Padang Pariaman, and Padang City.
"All these steps are carried out with the principle of build back better, namely rebuilding with better quality, safe, resilient and sustainable," he added.
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