Heaptalk, Jakarta — President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Ameroro Dam in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, on Tuesday (05/14). President Jokowi emphasized the dam’s significance in preventing the water crisis that is increasingly worrying worldwide.
“We know that in several countries, there is now a water crisis; it is challenging to get water. In the future, water will become vital to our lives. Therefore, don’t let the water flow into the sea without being used properly,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi, with a positive outlook, shared that the Ameroro Dam, a project that commenced in 2020 and was completed at the end of 2023, was a significant investment of Rp1.57 trillion, approximately US$98.4 million (US$1 equals Rp15,947). He is optimistic that the dam will yield benefits far surpassing the initial investment, including its crucial role in mitigating flooding in the Konawe area. He added, “The capacity is 88 million cubic meters. This is a huge dam with a pool area of 398 hectares. It can also reduce flooding around Konawe.”
Furthermore, Jokowi underscored the positive impact of the Ameroro Dam on the tourism sector, mainly in Wakatobi Regency. He also hopes this new infrastructure will boost the number of tourists in Wakatobi Regency.
“For the strategic tourism area in Wakatobi, the arrangement has been carried out; the square arrangement, the Puncak Oyamba area, and then the Sumbuda area have also all been improved. We also hope that tourism in Wakatobi Regency will improve and increase,” said President Jokowi.
On this occasion, President Jokowi also inaugurated the infrastructure development of the national tourism strategic area in Wakatobi Regency, completed in November 2023. The area’s development, which cost Rp96.5 billion, or around US$6.05 million, is expected to create a tourism industry that can drive the national economy.
