Extreme Weather Threatens Sabo Dam Construction in Central Tapanuli

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo claimed extreme weather is one of the challenges in constructing the sabo dam on the Aek Tukka River in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. Land acquisition has also been a hurdle in implementing the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction project. Nevertheless, Dody stated the government is pushing to accelerate construction to meet the October 2026 deadline. “All stakeholders, from central to provincial and district levels, are involved. We are racing against nature, but we must remain optimistic about delivering the best outcomes for the public,” Dody was quoted as saying on Sunday, 24 May 2026. Dody explained the sabo dam is being built to hold back sediment, rocks, timber, and soil from upstream areas to prevent them from being carried into residential zones during heavy rainfall. “We are doing everything possible. So when heavy rain comes, the soil from above doesn’t come down. We hold it back upstream,” Dody said. The construction of the sabo dam on the Aek Tukka River is part of the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programme for Sumatra, implemented by the Sumatra II River Basin Office (BBWS) under the Directorate General of Water Resources. The works are carried out through three main components: flood control infrastructure for the Tukka River, the sabo dam on the Tukka River, and sediment control for the Tukka tributary, also known as Sigala-Gala River. The Ministry of Public Works reported that the physical progress of the sabo dam construction reached 7.1% by the 11th week of implementation, exceeding the planned target of 3.8%. Meanwhile, sediment control for the Tukka tributary has reached 7.9% progress against a 4.6% target, while flood control infrastructure for the Tukka River has achieved 7.8% progress against a 4.6% target. The scope of work includes constructing sabo dam structures, retaining walls, flood control embankments, sediment control, inspection roads, and river normalisation. For the Tukka River flood control works, earthwork progress includes 300 metres of excavation, supported by heavy machinery such as long-arm excavators, standard excavators, vibro rollers, dump trucks, and mixer self-loaders. Dody hopes the sabo dam and flood control project on the Aek Tukka River will enhance community protection against floods and landslides while preserving environmental sustainability in the Tukka River Basin (DAS).