Public Works Minister Inspects Aek Tukka Sabo Dam Construction, Targets October 2026 Completion

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo inspected the progress of sabo dam construction at Aek Tukka River in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, on Saturday, 23 May 2026. The visit aimed to ensure post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts are on schedule.

During the inspection, Minister Dody emphasised that the sabo dam construction is a strategic measure to retain sediment, rocks, wood, and soil from upstream areas to prevent them from being carried downstream to residential areas during heavy rainfall. He added that management must start from the river’s upper reaches to stop materials from flowing further downstream.

‘We are doing everything to ensure that during heavy rain, soil from above does not come down. We will hold it back upstream,’ Minister Dody was quoted as saying on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Minister Dody is confident all work will be completed by the October 2026 target. He cited land acquisition issues and extreme weather conditions as the main challenges, but the Ministry of Public Works, along with all stakeholders, is accelerating efforts to ensure benefits reach the community as soon as possible.

‘All stakeholders, from central to provincial and district levels, are involved. We are racing against nature, but we must remain optimistic in delivering the best outcomes for the public,’ Minister Dody said.

The sabo dam construction at Aek Tukka River is part of Sumatra’s post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programme implemented by the BBWS Sumatra II Medan (Major River Basin Authority), Directorate General of Water Resources under the Ministry of Public Works. The project comprises three main components: flood control infrastructure for Tukka River, sabo dam construction for Tukka River, and sediment control for Tukka tributary (Sigala-Gala River).

For the Tukka River sabo dam package in Central Tapanuli Regency, works are being carried out by contractor PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk and supervision consultant PT Teknika Cipta Konsultan KSO PT Gagas Alam Selaras.

As of the 11th week of implementation, physical progress of the sabo dam construction has reached 7.1%, exceeding the planned 3.8%. Sediment control for the Tukka tributary (Sigala-Gala River) has progressed 7.9% against a 4.6% target, while flood control infrastructure for Tukka River has reached 7.8% of the planned 4.6%.