The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry will complete 9 large dam projects this year. The projects are part of the government’s plan to build 65 large dams until 2019.

“Out of 65 large dams in the plan, seven were completed by 2015, two dams in 2016, and this year, nine new dams are being built,” Public Works Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said in Padang on Tuesday.

The minister yesterday joined a national seminar on large dams which was attended by 431 participants across Indonesia and held by the National Committee for Large Dams (KNIUBB).

Basuki is optimistic that the construction of large dams will be completed on time with the assistance of the KNIUBB. “I’m hopeful that this kind of seminar will not only develop skills in dam construction but also produce innovation in technology and management,” he said.

He said that once the plan materializes, Indonesia will have 280 dams.

The Public Works Ministry will also develop natural dams, such as Rawa Bening Dam, Lake Tempe and Lake Limboto.

source: tempo.co