TRENGGALEK – Bagong Dam construction in Trenggalek is gaining momentum after Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka called for faster completion through stronger cross-sector coordination. The project forms part of Indonesia’s national strategy to strengthen water and food security.

During a site visit, Gibran stressed that large-scale infrastructure projects require close cooperation between central and local governments, as well as other stakeholders. He urged all parties to work together to keep the project on schedule.

“Strong synergy between the central government, regional authorities, and all stakeholders is essential to ensure the dam is completed on time,” he said.

The visit also allowed officials to monitor progress and identify challenges on the ground. By addressing these issues early, the government aims to avoid delays and maintain steady construction progress.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Noor, head of the Brantas River Basin Agency (BBWS), reported that work continues to move forward as planned. Crews are currently handling key components, including the main dam, spillway, intake system, and diversion tunnel.

“Construction activities are progressing according to plan. We are working on the main dam, spillway, intake, and diversion tunnel,” he said.

Once completed, the Bagong Dam will have a storage capacity of 17.40 million cubic meters. It is expected to irrigate around 977 hectares of farmland in the Bagong irrigation area.

The dam will supply raw water at a rate of 153 liters per second to several districts, including Trenggalek, Pogalan, and Bendungan. The project will also help reduce flood risks from the Bagong River, which frequently threatens nearby residential areas.

Trenggalek lies in a basin that receives runoff from the hills of Mount Liman. This condition increases both flood risks during the rainy season and water shortages during dry periods.

Therefore, the Bagong Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources more effectively. Officials believe the project will improve agricultural productivity while supporting long-term community welfare.

“With strong collaboration, we are confident the project will finish on time and deliver real benefits to the region,” Noor said.