PT NSHE Strengthens Community Preparedness Ahead of the Initial Filling of the Batangtoru HEP Dam English: PT NSHE Strengthens Community Preparedness Ahead of the Initial Filling of the Batangtoru HEP Dam

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Ahead of the implementation of the initial filling (impounding) of the Batangtoru 510 MW Hydroelectric Dam, PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (PT NSHE) held a Dam Safety and Community Preparedness Program as part of the Initial Filling of the Reservoir. The activity, which took place at the Sipirok District Office Hall, South Tapanuli Regency, was attended by 98 participants consisting of government elements, officials, village governments, community leaders, and residents around the affected area.

This socialization is a space for the community to understand more closely the stages of initial filling of the reservoir, the dam safety system, and various steps that the company has prepared to ensure that the process runs safely. This activity is also part of efforts to build open communication between the company, government, and community ahead of one of the important stages in the construction of the Batangtoru Hydroelectric Plant.

The activity was also attended by representatives of the South Tapanuli Regency Government, the Health Office, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Transportation Office, the Communication and Information Office (Diskominfo), the Environment Office (DLH), the Police Pamong Praja Unit (Satpol PP), Forkopimcam Sipirok, village government, and the community around the project area. The presence of various stakeholders shows the importance of collaboration in ensuring that every stage of impounding takes place well and is understood together.

The Social Communication Manager of PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (PT NSHE), Arie Dedy Puspita, said that this socialization is not only a fulfillment of regulatory obligations, but also a manifestation of the company's commitment to building trust through open communication with the community.

"This socialization is part of PT NSHE's commitment to ensure that the public receives complete information regarding the initial filling process of the reservoir, the safety aspects of the dam, and the mitigation measures that have been prepared. We hope that open communication and collaboration with all stakeholders can support the smooth process of impounding and at the same time increase the readiness of the community around the project area," said Arie Dedy Puspita, quoted Tuesday, June 30.

The activity was opened with a speech from the Sipirok Sub-district Head, Danramil 03 Sipirok, the Batangtoru Hydroelectric Plant Management, and the South Tapanuli Regency Government, represented by the Head of the Health Office. Furthermore, participants received an explanation regarding the technical readiness of the dam, the plan for the initial filling of the reservoir, the dam safety mechanism, and watched a video showing the profile of the Batangtoru Hydroelectric Plant and the Emergency Action Plan (RTD) Simulation.

In its presentation, the Batangtoru Hydroelectric Plant Management explained that all the main structures of the dam, the hydromechanical system, and supporting facilities had been completed and had undergone a series of tests according to applicable technical standards. The initial filling of the reservoir is planned in stages over approximately two weeks. During this process, the river flow discharge to the downstream area is maintained in accordance with the provisions so as not to have an impact on the community along the Batangtoru River.

As part of efforts to increase public awareness, PT NSHE has also installed information boards and warning signs at five strategic points in the upstream area of the dam. This step is taken so that the community can better understand the flooded area and can carry out activities more safely during the reservoir filling process.

The dialogue session is an important part of this activity. The public submitted various inputs and questions, ranging from land acquisition completion, complaint mechanisms, job opportunities for local people, to the implementation of corporate social responsibility programs. All aspirations were accepted and documented to be followed up through coordination with local governments and related agencies according to the applicable mechanisms.

PT NSHE believes that the success of the impounding process is not only determined by the technical readiness of the dam, but also by the readiness of all parties involved. Therefore, the company will continue to prioritize the principles of openness, safety, and collaboration with the government and the community so that every stage leading to the operation of the Batangtoru HEPP can take place safely, smoothly, and provide benefits for the provision of clean energy that is sustainable for Indonesia.