By: Aulia Hawa )*
The community appreciates the dam infrastructure development that the Government is intensively implementing. This infrastructure is very important, especially during the rainy season, because it can prevent flooding, control water, and secure food supplies.
Development is something that the government continues to do, starting from the old order, new order, reform order, until now. Indonesia continues to build so that it can become a developed country, not a middle class as it is today. Infrastructure development is very important because it makes it easier for people to carry out their daily activities.
One of the infrastructures that is intensively built by the government is the dam. President Jokowi has just inaugurated the Karalloe Dam in Gowa, South Sulawesi, on November 23, 2021. The dam, which is located in the Tompobulu sub-district, can irrigate up to 7,000 hectares of agricultural land, and was built with a budget of 1.27 trillion.
President Jokowi stated that when there are 7,000 hectares of agricultural land that is supplied with water from the Karalloe Dam, they harvest more often. The count is 2 planting rice and 1 cropping palawija. So that farmers will get more profits and increase their welfare.
The inauguration of the Karalloe dam was appreciated by the community. They do not see the amount of budget that has been spent to make this infrastructure, but rather focus on its benefits. When the harvest period is more frequent, the farmers are happy because they get profits many times. The profession of farmers is no longer synonymous with poverty, because they can prosper thanks to successful harvests.
In addition, when there is a dam, of course, the people of Gowa will benefit, because agricultural land will not dry out during the dry season. So they avoid the risk of crop failure in the dry season. Terrible drought will not occur, so that people also get a sufficient supply of water for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.
On the other hand, during the rainy season, the residents of Gowa and its surroundings are not afraid of being flooded. This is because water will enter the dam and will not inundate housing and villages. When there is a dam, the flow of water can be controlled, so there is no shortage or excess.
The incident in Jeneponto, Sulawesi, in 2019 (big flood) did not happen again, because 49% of rainwater could be absorbed by the dam. Floods cause huge material losses, and it is feared that it will take lives. However, when there is a dam, the flood can be controlled so that it does not appear and harm the community.
The existence of dams (in other places) has proven to be beneficial to the community because it brings many benefits. In addition to preventing drought and flooding, dams are often used as tourist attractions. So that it can increase income for the surrounding community.
The existence of a dam in Sulawesi is proof that the government is building infrastructure equally, not only in Java but also other islands. Equity is important because we cannot be Java centric if we want to move forward. Development can not only be in one place because there will be injustice.
If there are dams and other infrastructure in Sulawesi and other islands (besides Java), it shows that President Jokowi’s government is practicing the precepts of social justice for all Indonesians. Equitable development must be done, so that Indonesia is much more advanced. so there is no gap between Java and other islands.
The inauguration of the Karalloe dam in Gowa, Sulawesi, was greatly appreciated by the community. Many benefits can be obtained from this dam, including preventing drought, crop failure, and finally farmers can farm 3 times a year and are more prosperous. In addition, dams can prevent flooding.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students