The Indonesian government is relying on 15 new dams currently under construction, aiming to complete them by 2029, with the hope that they will significantly raise agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ welfare. According to Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, once finished, these dams could supply irrigation to about 184,515 hectares of farmland, pushing the planted area from 277,775 hectares to 483,163 hectares. The scheme also targets a jump in crop yields from 1,403,300 tons per hectare to 2,343,289 tons per hectare.
With more reliable irrigation, farmers who now rely on rainfed agriculture could increase planting intensity—raising the crop index from 150% to 262%—and grow crops up to two or three times annually rather than just once. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s strategic infrastructure push to achieve food self-sufficiency and uplift rural livelihoods.
