By: Kevin Purba )*
The government continues to strengthen the foundation of national food security by accelerating the development and revitalization of irrigation networks in various regions. This step is a crucial part of the broader strategy to achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency while ensuring the agricultural sector can grow more productively and competitively. Amidst increasing food demand and the challenges of climate change, a reliable irrigation system is a key factor in maintaining the sustainability of national agricultural production.
In addition to other basic infrastructure development, regional irrigation management is a key focus for the government because it directly impacts agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. By improving the irrigation network, the government strives to ensure that every agricultural plot has adequate access to water throughout the planting season.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that the acceleration of the implementation of the President’s priority programs continues to be closely monitored. According to him, the government is not only focused on completing projects quickly but also ensuring the quality of work, accuracy of targets, and accountability for implementation.
One important achievement demonstrating the government’s commitment is seen in the regional irrigation management program. The program is targeted to cover an irrigation network serving 19,760 hectares of agricultural land. By the end of May 2026, physical progress had reached 82.73 percent, indicating that the revitalization of irrigation infrastructure was proceeding according to the established direction.
This progress is a positive indicator that the government is prioritizing the agricultural sector as a national development priority. An improved irrigation network will increase water availability for farmers, enabling more optimal cultivation activities.
The successful acceleration of the infrastructure development program is also reflected in the Ministry of Public Works’ budget realization, which is showing a positive trend. By the end of May 2026, budget realization had reached IDR 33.49 trillion, or 31.39 percent of the total available budget. Meanwhile, physical progress reached 35.71 percent, higher than the achievement in the same period in the previous two years.
Support for the government’s efforts also came from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). Lasarus, Chairman of Commission V of the DPR RI, expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Public Works’ performance in implementing various strategic programs. He stated that accelerated development implementation is necessary to ensure optimal achievement of national development targets and widespread public benefit.
Lasarus assessed the importance of strengthening synergy between the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to ensure the President’s priority programs are effectively implemented. Strong collaboration between all stakeholders is believed to accelerate the achievement of various development targets, including food security, which is currently a key focus of the government.
Efforts to strengthen irrigation are also being undertaken by regional governments. In Bengkulu Province, accelerating the resolution of irrigation issues is a key priority in supporting the ongoing Community Rice Field Program. The regional government recognizes that the success of the agricultural land expansion program depends heavily on the availability of an adequate water supply.
The Regional Secretary of Bengkulu Province, Herwan Antoni, emphasized that the land that has been created must be optimally utilized by the community. According to him, the presence of new rice fields will not produce maximum yields without an adequate irrigation network. Therefore, resolving irrigation issues is a priority that must be resolved immediately.
The Bengkulu Provincial Government continues to coordinate with various parties to accelerate the provision of water for the established agricultural land. Synergy between regional officials, district governments, the River Basin Office, and elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is being established to ensure all obstacles are resolved collaboratively.
This step demonstrates that agricultural development is not solely focused on land expansion but also considers the readiness of supporting infrastructure. An integrated approach is key to ensuring each implemented program delivers optimal and sustainable results.
Data from the Bengkulu Province Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Service shows that the region received an allocation of 2,200 hectares of rice fields in 2026. Most of the land has entered the planning and construction stages, and some locations have even begun planting and harvesting. This progress demonstrates that the program is progressing as expected and is beginning to benefit the community.
According to Herwan, central government support is crucial in accelerating the improvement of the irrigation network needed by the community.
The assistance provided demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that every agricultural program runs effectively and delivers maximum benefits.
Support also came from elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), which is involved in assisting the rice field program. Representatives from the Bengkulu Military District Command (Kodim Bengkulu) assessed that resolving irrigation issues requires an appropriate technical approach tailored to field conditions. Therefore, the involvement of experts and thorough planning are crucial to ensuring the success of irrigation network development.
The various steps taken by the central and regional governments demonstrate that irrigation revitalization is not merely a physical development. This program is a strategic investment to strengthen national food security, increase agricultural productivity, and improve farmer welfare. Good irrigation infrastructure will provide farmers with certainty in managing their land, thereby increasing production sustainably.
*) Observer of Infrastructure Policy and Food Security