WIKA is further strengthening its position as a leading state-owned enterprise in dam construction. This is reflected in the 41 dams in the country that have been successfully completed by the Company. 21 of these projects are included in the 65 dam projects that have been designated as National Strategic Projects (PSN) since 2014, which are targeted to increase the availability of water storage from 12.6 billion cubic meters to 19.1 billion cubic meters, and can also be used to meet agricultural water needs throughout the year.
President Director Agung Budi Waskito said that in line with this, WIKA is now focusing on completing 7 dams spread across the islands of Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara Timur. The presence of these dams is expected to support the government's efforts through the Ministry of PUPR in optimizing water management in each of these regions.
One of the projects currently being worked on by WIKA KSO is the Lau Simeme Dam Package I, which aims to support sustainable agricultural production in Medan and Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. The construction of the project with the scope of work of the Main Dam has reached 72% progress.
Agung BW also said that the construction of this dam is also a means of empowering UMKM as working partners. WIKA realizes that good synergy between WIKA and its partners will support the sustainability of the Company's operations. For this reason, WIKA is consistent in its efforts to fulfill its commitment to payments to its partners, where for the period of early August 2023 alone, WIKA has realized payments of Rp346 billion to 846 partners, of which Rp102 billion was paid to 684 UMKM partners of WIKA.
"UMKM play an important role in driving the economy in the operational area by opening up job opportunities. It is hoped that the empowerment of UMKM carried out by the Company can bring a multiplier effect for the livelihood and welfare of the surrounding community," said Agung BW.
Offering Potential for Eco Tourism and Future Energy Supply
In addition to its function for water and agriculture, the existence of dams also offers other potentials, including the eco tourism concept developed by the Ministry of PUPR at the Sukamahi Dam, by providing a hydroponic plant area accompanied by accommodation, parks, greenhouses, and places of worship.
Similarly, with other potentials, namely the utilization of new and renewable energy sources, namely Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH) which utilize water power to generate electricity, also solar power plants using floating solar panels as an electricity source as provided by the Randugunting Dam.
Furthermore, several dams can be used for sport tourism, one of which is the Jatigede Dam, which is often used as a location for rowing competitions.
There is also the Kuwil Kawangkoan Dam, the construction of which also takes into account the existence of historical objects in the form of waruga, which are the graves of Minahasa ancestors, by relocating and re-arranging them as a tourist destination as well as a cultural heritage.
These dams are entrusted by the Ministry of PUPR to WIKA, it is hoped that the various potentials offered can bring optimal benefits to the local community.
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