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Budget cuts affect dams, irrigation; may derail food self sufficiency
Budget cuts led to a reduction in new irrigation networks planned to be built this year, from 10,000 hectares to 450 ha, as well as cuts in irrigation network rehabilitation from 45,000 ha to 16,000 ha and dam constructions from 16 new dams to only one dam this year.
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Multifunctional: Leuwikeris dam, on the border between Ciamis and Tasikmalaya regencies in West Java, is pictured on Aug. 29, 2024. The newly inaugurated dam will distribute water for irrigation, human consumption, the fisheries industry and power generation. (Antara/Adeng Bustomi)
T
he Public Works Ministry is set to slash targets on infrastructure projects, including dams and irrigation systems essential for boosting agriculture outputs, following budget cuts ordered by President Prabowo Subianto, which experts warned could derail his very own food self-sufficiency goal.
The Prabowo administration recently decided to cut more than 70 percent of the ministry’s budget from an initially earmarked Rp 110.95 trillion [US$6.79 billion] to only Rp 29.57 trillion this year.
This was part of broader cuts aiming to save over Rp 306 trillion to fund costly priority programs, particularly the free nutritious meals program.
“Budget efficiency at the Public Works Ministry amounting to Rp 81.38 trillion will affect achievements of priority targets,” Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said during a meeting with The House of Representatives in Jakarta on Thursday.
The cut led to a reduction in new irrigation networks planned to be built this year, from 10,000 hectares to 450 ha, as well as cuts in irrigation network rehabilitation from 45,000 ha to 16,000 ha and dam constructions from 16 new dams to only one dam this year.
Other infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance, bridges and tourism development areas were also affected.
This occurred as Prabowo sped up the food self-sufficiency target from 2028 to 2027.
