Indonesia to Build Third Largest Dam in Southeast Sulawesi with Rp 9.8 Trillion Budget

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works is planning the construction of the Pelosika Dam in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, which will be the third largest in the country. This dam aims to supply agricultural water, secure drinking water, control floods, and promote hydroelectric power, with an estimated total cost of Rp 9.8 trillion (approximately USD 650 million). The construction of the Pelosika Dam is scheduled to take place from 2026 to 2030, and upon completion, it will be the largest dam in Southeast Sulawesi. It will have a total storage capacity of 1.117 billion cubic meters and an effective storage capacity of 808 million cubic meters, forming a water surface area of 5,451.56 hectares. This will support an irrigation area of 20,458 hectares, enhancing existing agricultural productivity. Specifically, it aims to increase the annual cropping intensity from 220 percent to 300 percent, potentially enabling three harvests per year instead of two. Furthermore, the dam is designed to supply 750 liters per second of drinking water for the daily needs of approximately 540,000 residents in Konawe Regency. It is also expected to mitigate flood risk in an area of about 19,330 hectares across 10 sub-districts, reducing it to 6,301 hectares. In the energy sector, the project includes the installation of a 40-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric power plant and a 261.12 MW solar power plant, positioning it as a source of renewable energy supply. The Minister of Public Works emphasized the importance of coordinating dam construction with irrigation facility development to optimize the use of stored water, recognizing that a sustainable water supply is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. The Pelosika Dam is part of Indonesia's ongoing infrastructure development plan, specifically aimed at strengthening national resilience in the water resources sector. The construction is currently in the programming phase and will proceed after the tender process. Source: Liputan6