Real Impact of Additional TKD Shift: Irrigation Development in Tanah Datar Reaches 75 Percent

The utilisation of Additional Transfer to Regions (TKD) funds is beginning to show tangible results in the recovery of infrastructure following the November 2025 Sumatra floods. One example is the irrigation channel in Nagari Sumpur, Batipuh Selatan District, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, which has now reached 75 percent completion.

Tanah Datar Regency Regional Secretary Abdurrahman Hadi said work began one day after the visit of Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra together with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) on 22 July 2026.

During the inspection, Eka Putra, together with the Head of Sub-Directorate for Regional Budget Planning Region I of the Ministry of Home Affairs Fernando H. Siagian and Satgas PRR Sumatra Media Coordinator Kastorius Sinaga, recognised that the irrigation flow still required reinforcement.

The Sumatra V River Basin Agency (BWS) in Padang had previously installed pipes as a diversion to channel water to agricultural land. However, some sections of the channel still used tarpaulin as a temporary solution.

This situation prompted the Tanah Datar Regency Government to utilise Rp 100 million in Additional TKD budget space to improve the irrigation network. “The Regency Government understands that farmers urgently need water supply. The Sumpur Irrigation Area channel irrigates approximately 65 hectares of rice fields,” said Regional Secretary Abdurrahman to Tempo on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

The irrigation channel construction also involves the local community. Residents worked together to collect materials from the river, and some participated in the construction work. “Community members involved in the work receive wages according to their respective types of work,” he said.

Meanwhile, BWS Sumatra V is continuing to improve the river body and embankments along Batang Sumpur, including through the installation of gabions to reinforce the riverbanks.

The progress of the work is being continuously monitored by the regional government. Regent Eka Putra has also sent photographic documentation of the construction to the media team at the Satgas PRR National Post as evidence of work progress following the field visit.

Nagari Sumpur is one of the areas affected by the disaster, with damage covering a number of infrastructure assets and agricultural land. Restoration of the irrigation network is an important part of recovery because the smooth supply of water is directly linked to the continuity of community planting activities.

In addition to Tanah Datar, the West Sumatra Provincial Government announced on 10 August that it has allocated Rp 49.60 billion from Additional TKD to restore 75 water resource infrastructure points, including irrigation networks and weirs. The allocation is spread across several regencies and cities.

Padang Pariaman Regency received Rp 3.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ladang Laweh Irrigation system along 1,919 metres as well as repairs to the Bandar Ipuh and Sicaung irrigation networks. Agam Regency allocated Rp 3 billion for the rehabilitation of the Batang Sianok Irrigation system along 1,628 metres and expansion of water supply in Bandar Ipuh. Meanwhile, Solok Regency received a budget ceiling of Rp 5 billion for repairs to the Bandar Panjang Salayo Irrigation system along 2,765 metres.

This variety of uses demonstrates that the utilisation of Additional TKD does not stop at the list of activities prepared from the outset, but can be adjusted when regional governments identify more urgent needs in the field.

Head of Sub-Directorate for Regional Budget Planning Region I of the Ministry of Home Affairs Fernando H. Siagian said regional governments have room to make adjustments to budget use as long as they continue to refer to applicable regulations. One of the legal bases is Circular Letter of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 900.1.1/10059/SJ concerning Budget Shifts in the 2026 Regional Budget and the Use of Unexpected Expenditure for Disaster-Affected Regions.

The circular regulates the mechanism for budget shifts to meet disaster management needs, including rehabilitation and reconstruction. Adjustments can be made based on the results of needs identification in the field, so that budgets can be directed to priorities that develop as the recovery process progresses.

Fernando continued that budget shifts can later be established through amendments to regent regulations. This mechanism provides room for regional governments to adjust programmes without departing from the original purpose of the Additional TKD allocation.

“Regional governments are given room to allocate Additional TKD as long as the purpose is for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction,” said Fernando. “As long as it remains in accordance with applicable regulations.”

Chairman of Satgas PRR and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian previously emphasised that regional governments have considerable room to utilise the additional TKD, especially in strengthening infrastructure and addressing disaster risks.

“I have given very broad opportunities for its use. It can be used to build, strengthen roads, strengthen bridges, strengthen infrastructure, in disaster-prone areas,” said Tito at the Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Realisation of Financial Assistance to Regions in Sumatra, 17 June 2026.