Central Java Provincial Government to Coordinate Mrica Dam Sedimentation Management with the Central Government

The Central Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jawa Tengah) is prepared to oversee the handling of sedimentation at Panglima Besar Soedirman Dam or Mrica Dam in Banjarnegara Regency, and to push this issue to the central government. The step is considered important because the sedimentation condition at the dam is already quite serious and could have broad impacts if not addressed promptly. Banjarnegara Regent Amalia Desiana said the sedimentation at Mrica Dam is currently estimated to have reached about 93 percent. The condition affects not only Banjarnegara, but also other areas in Central Java. ‘The sedimentation at Mrica Dam has reached 93%, so its energy production has also declined compared with previous years,’ she said. According to her, the regional government has proposed including Mrica Dam handling in the National Strategic Project (PSN) list. The support of the Central Java provincial government is seen as essential to strengthen coordination with the central government. ‘We have initiated the PSN proposal. Provincial government support is very helpful, especially in strengthening the handling of Mrica Dam,’ she said. In addition to the dam’s sedimentation, Amalia also highlighted Banjarnegara’s geography, which is dominated by disaster-prone areas. About 70 percent of Banjarnegara is said to have a high disaster risk level, requiring special attention in spatial planning from upstream to downstream. ‘Banjarnegara is a disaster-prone area. We need the provincial government’s presence, especially as a mediator with the central government,’ she said. “Meanwhile, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stressed that his side is ready to push the acceleration of Mrica Dam’s sedimentation handling through coordination with the central government. ‘We will push Mrica Dam to the centre. If I recall, this relates to PLN projects. We will issue a letter and supervise so that sedimentation can be tackled together,’ Luthfi said. He assessed that issues falling under central government authority must be resolved through cross-sector collaboration. In this case, the Provincial Government of Central Java will act as a liaison so that various local development issues can quickly receive follow-up.”