Public Works Minister Demands Solar Panels for National Budget-Funded Borehole Project

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo has called for the development of the Groundwater Irrigation Network (JIAT) in Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), not to focus solely on borehole wells and groundwater pumps. The infrastructure must also be equipped with irrigation channels and solar panels to support more efficient operations. The directive was given by Dody during an inspection of a JIAT beneficiary site in Lekunik Village, Lobalain Subdistrict, Rote Ndao Regency on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Dody stated that JIAT development must align with land morphology to ensure water distribution reaches agricultural areas more effectively. “Through JIAT, we aim to ensure water availability to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security,” Dody said. Additionally, Dody encouraged the use of more efficient energy sources for groundwater irrigation systems, including solar panels where feasible. This approach is expected to reduce pump operating costs and improve irrigation service sustainability, particularly in remote areas. The groundwater irrigation infrastructure via boreholes in Lekunik Village was constructed using the National Budget (APBN) worth Rp 1.5 billion. The infrastructure has a water flow rate of 9 litres per second and currently serves 10 hectares of farmland. JIAT is considered vital as Lobalain Subdistrict has approximately 1,395 hectares of paddy fields. During the second planting season, surface water availability often decreases, making groundwater supply an alternative to maintain agricultural productivity. Dody also urged JIAT development to be integrated with water demand mapping across all potential agricultural areas in Rote Ndao. With this planning, new JIAT boreholes are expected to be built gradually and precisely targeted, maximising benefits for the community.