March 30, 2026 | 12:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, has emphasized the government's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through the construction of groundwater irrigation networks (JIAT), especially in regions that have traditionally relied on rainfall.
Dody pointed out that many regions have experienced a decrease in water supply due to the suboptimal function of local-owned dams. The lack of maintenance has led to a drop in water flow, resulting in fields being inadequately irrigated.
"This condition only allows farmers to harvest once a year. With JIAT, we aim to encourage up to three harvests," said Dody while inspecting the JIAT infrastructure in Ketitang Village, Nogosari District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Dody explained that the construction of deep wells with a depth of around 120 meters and a flow rate of 12 liters per second is deemed sufficient to irrigate approximately 20 hectares of land. However, he believes that water distribution still needs to be improved through the construction of tertiary irrigation networks for greater efficiency and even distribution.
In addition to irrigation, the government also plans to improve agricultural access through local road access to support the mobility of harvest yields.
The groundwater irrigation program will be focused in food production hubs, such as West Java, Central Java, and East Java, and will be expanded to several regions outside of Java.
"This action is expected to increase planting intensity and maintain the national rice production stability amidst climate change challenges," he added.
Dody also emphasized the importance of sustaining groundwater resources. He asserted that water usage must be efficient to avoid long-term impacts such as land subsidence.
The groundwater irrigation program is part of President Prabowo Subianto's directive to achieve national food self-sufficiency. He stressed that the success of development is inseparable from policy support and funding from the central government.
With these various programs, the government is optimistic that national food production will remain safeguarded and capable of facing future drought challenges.
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