Cibeet and Cijuray Dam Projects Accelerated, Completion Targeted for 2027-2028

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works is prioritising the construction of the Cibeet and Cijuray dams. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the two dams will serve to control flooding, particularly in the Karawang and Bekasi regions. Dody targets the completion of both dam projects in stages over the coming years. He emphasised that accelerating the dam construction is crucial, given the flood risks still threatening the area if the projects are not completed promptly. “With my own eyes, if it’s not completed soon, I’m worried Karawang and Bekasi will flood again,” Dody said. Unlike the priority dam projects, progress on the Gedebage-Tasikmalaya-Cilacap (Getaci) toll road project, touted to become Indonesia’s longest toll road, remains insignificant. This project has experienced delays since the early 2020s and has yet to attract investor interest for tendering. Dody explained that in toll road infrastructure projects, traffic levels are the primary factor determining investor interest. If traffic is deemed low, the government typically needs to provide funding support or contribute financially to keep the project attractive. “Usually, if a project we offer doesn’t attract much interest, it’s because the traffic is insufficient,” Dody said. However, he added that the current government budget constraints limit the room for such support. Consequently, the government must reconsider project priorities. “Should we contribute to Getaci, or accelerate the construction of Cibeet and Cijuray so that Karawang and Bekasi won’t flood again in the future?” he said.