Kunker In Bone Sulsel, Jokowi Tinjau Distribution Of Irrigation Pump Assistance

President Jokowi chatted with farmers while reviewing the implementation of pumping assistance in Jaling Village, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, Thursday (4/7/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat RI)

SOUTH SULAWESI - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) directly inspected the distribution of 300 pump units for rice fields and agriculture (pompanization) in Jaling Village, Awangpone District, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi Province (Sulsel) on Thursday, July 4.

While at the location, President Jokowi had the opportunity to have a dialogue with farmers who were working in the fields.

One of the farmers, Isal, expressed the urgent need for water to irrigate plants in his rice fields in the highlands.

"It's not raining, even though rainwater is waiting here. This is a rice field that is high in the plains, so we are waiting for rainwater to be able to farm in the fields," said Isal, quoted from a written statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, Thursday, July 4, which was confiscated by Antara.

This working visit (kunker) is known to be part of the government's efforts to improve food security and the welfare of farmers by improving irrigation systems in dry areas such as in South Sulawesi.

Isal also expressed his appreciation for the pump assistance provided by the government. According to him, the pump can help him in farming.

"There is (a difference), if there is no rain, it doesn't work on the rice fields, because this rice field only has rain water to wait, if there is no rain water it can't work on the rice fields. (There is a pump) it can be a bit smooth to preach," he said.

Another farmer, Andi Mus Mulyadi, also conveyed the benefits of the irrigation pump. According to Andi, pumps can overcome water shortages during the dry season.

"If there is a pump, the water will be quickly resolved, if it is short like dry," he said.

In addition, Andi emphasized significant differences in planting productivity since using irrigation pumps. In fact, Andi said that he and other farmers can farm up to three times a year.

"If there is no pump (plant) once a year. So far there are pumps, thank God, it can be up to three times if the results are evenly distributed. The difference between tons while using a pump is almost one ton using organic fertilizer," said Andi.

"Alhamdulillah, we are very grateful to be visited by the President. We thank you very much for the assistance," said Andi, appreciating the presence of President Jokowi who paid close attention to the condition of the farmers.

Also accompanying President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana in the activity were Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, and Acting Regent Bone Andi Islamuddin.