Jamuan Weir Breached, Permanent Solution Design Prepared
The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has begun handling the emergency response for the Jamuan Weir that breached in Sawang Subdistrict, North Aceh Regency, Aceh Province, while preparing a design for permanent handling as a long-term solution.
The disruption to the weir occurred due to changes in the river flow after flooding, causing the existing embankment to breach and the water flow to shift from its original position.
According to Minister of PU Dody Hanggodo, the construction and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure is a strategic priority of the government in maintaining national agricultural production stability.
“This handling is a manifestation of the Ministry of PU’s commitment to ensuring that water resource infrastructure functions optimally to support food security,” said Dody on Monday (20/4/2026).
The emergency handling began on Sunday (19/4/2026), marked by the mobilisation of heavy equipment to the site.
Several temporary steps undertaken include diverting the river flow through the construction of a temporary embankment along approximately 375 metres, creating retention ponds, and pumping to maintain water supply to agricultural lands.
The disruption to the weir has also affected community farming activities, particularly in meeting water needs for land preparation and planting seasons.
Acceleration of the handling is deemed important to maintain the sustainability of agricultural production in the area.
This acceleration effort has received appreciation from the local government. Deputy Regent of North Aceh Tarmizi expressed support for the swift actions taken.
A similar sentiment was conveyed by Acting Subdistrict Secretary of Sawang Efendi Nur, who stated readiness to oversee the implementation of the handling on the ground.
In parallel, the Ministry of PU through the Irrigation Technical Centre and the Sumatra I River Basin Centre is preparing a design for permanent handling.
The plan includes the construction of a new weir along approximately 600 metres with a width of about 100 metres, as well as the construction of a delivery channel to the existing intake along approximately 600 metres.
The permanent handling is planned to be supported through government funding, including through the accelerated development and rehabilitation programme for regional irrigation networks and the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programme in the Sumatra region.