Public Works Ministry to Construct Sabo Dam in Agam to Anticipate Flash Floods
The Ministry of Public Works is set to urgently construct a sabo dam on the Batang Kumayo River in Nagari Sungai Batang, Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, to anticipate subsequent flash floods.
“The construction of this sabo dam will be carried out as soon as possible in the upper reaches of the Batang Kumayo River to anticipate follow-up flash floods,” stated Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo during a visit to the flood site in Labuah, Agam, on Friday.
He noted that the construction follows a visit from the Yogyakarta Sabo Technical Office and includes soil structure testing by Bio Teknis. Once the design for the sabo dam is finalised, construction will commence immediately. In the interim, the Minister stated that river flow will be cleared from upstream to the estuary, and embankments on both sides of the river will be raised by approximately 5 to 6 metres.
“This will strengthen both sides of the river, ensuring that during periods of high rainfall, water does not overflow and flood residents’ homes,” he said. He added that the dam construction will be expedited to prevent the community from suffering further disasters during heavy rains.
According to local officials, including the Tanjung Raya District Head and the Regent of Agam, the area is prone to flash floods whenever heavy rainfall persists for approximately 2 to 3 hours. The Minister’s visit to Nagari Sungai Batang was part of a flood mitigation effort directed by President Prabowo Subianto.
“My visit here is following the President’s instructions, as the President has heard directly the grievances of the Agam people regarding the frequent flooding,” he said. Regarding the budget allocation for the sabo dam and river normalisation, Dody emphasised that funds are available and are currently being calculated by the local River Basin Organisation head.
Agam Regent Benni Warlis reported that the Batang Kumayo River was buried under debris from a flash flood in late November 2025. As a result, water and rocks overflowed into residential areas, damaging houses along the riverbank, causing two deaths, and forcing residents to evacuate. “Flash flood incidents have occurred repeatedly during periods of high rainfall,” he added.