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Jatigede Reservoir magnet for visitors
Having a catchment area of 1,462 square kilometers with a total capacity of 980,000,000 cubic meters, Jatigede Reservoir is the second-largest man-made reservoir in Southeast Asia, after Jatiluhur in Purwakarta, which is also in West Java.
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n “island” with ruins of buildings on it looked to be appearing out of the sprawling water basin of the Jatigede Reservoir as our boat moved farther from the embankment.
The islands, in fact, used to be settlements before their citizens were relocated. Dozens of islands become visible on the surface when the water in the reservoir – with the Cimanuk River being its source – recedes during the dry season.
"The water level has been lowering for two months, down to about eight meters," said Erik, who was one of the people who were relocated for the construction of the reservoir.
"If the water is high, the islands are not visible. They are submerged,” he said. Erik makes a living by renting boats.
On one side of the reservoir, weathered trees provide a perch for a flock of birds.
Having a catchment area of 1,462 square kilometers with a total capacity of 980,000,000 cubic meters, Jatigede Reservoir is the second-largest man-made reservoir in Southeast Asia, after Jatiluhur in Purwakarta, which is also in West Java.
It was first planned during the era of the Dutch East Indies. However, due to challenges related to the relocation process and financial compensation for residents of 28 villages in 5 sub-districts, the construction was only realized in 2008, and the reservoir started operations in 2017.
Apart from functioning as a source of irrigation for 90,000 hectares of productive agricultural land in several surrounding regencies and as a hydropower plant, the Jatigede Reservoir is also used for aquaculture, water sports and recreation.
Local residents use the reservoir to raise freshwater fish in cages, such as goldfish, tilapia and catfish. Some also make use of land by the embankment to grow crops.
The reservoir has become a fishing hub for anglers, while many people, including those from outside the region, come just to savor the scenic view of the reservoir and its surroundings.
