Residents Lament Unfinished Amfoang NTT Rice Irrigation Project
Residents complain that the irrigation project for the Oehani rice fields in Kolabe Village, Amfoang Utara District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), remains incomplete. Of the total 2,000-metre length, only around 400 metres have been completed.
“Thus, as farmers, we request the project to continue as most have already harvested, meaning there is no farming activity to disrupt the construction work,” said farmer Victor Imanuel Manoh to detikBali on Monday, 1 June 2026.
Victor explained the irrigation system greatly assists in water supply for the villagers’ rice fields. Although planting was delayed due to the project, this year’s harvest improved once the irrigation channels were operational.
“The completed section is around 400 metres or less, but after the irrigation was used, this year’s harvest was quite substantial despite the delayed harvest,” explained a resident of Afoan Village, Amfoang Utara District.
According to Victor, farmers and contractors had agreed to temporarily halt the project until harvest season ended. However, residents recently learned that PT Adhi Karya, the contractor, and PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, the technical consultant, would not continue the project.
“Therefore, we urge immediate completion of the project so we can plant during the rainy season. If work only resumes after the rains begin, we will inevitably face another delayed harvest,” Victor added.
He also expressed gratitude to the government and contractors for the project’s positive impact on agricultural yields.
“We are deeply grateful as despite the delayed planting, the harvest was satisfactory compared to previous years,” Victor said.
Retail Fuel Prices Rise
On another note, Victor highlighted the rise in retail fuel prices in Amfoang Utara to between Rp15,000 and Rp20,000 per litre. This has made it difficult for farmers to operate rice threshers.
“Although the harvest is over, our current challenge is fuel prices, which have skyrocketed. At the start of harvest, we bought it at Rp20,000-30,000. Now they say we must buy non-subsidised fuel, but I believe many residents cannot afford it if prices remain high,” Victor added.
Kolabe Village Head Isak Obes stated there is still no confirmation on the project’s continuation. He explained work was temporarily halted as it coincided with farmers preparing fields for planting.
“They said they would resume after harvest, but there is still no update as only 300-400 metres have been completed,” Isak said.
Isak emphasised residents never rejected the irrigation project. The temporary halt was requested by villagers to avoid disrupting agricultural activities.
“No, we do not reject it; in fact, we strongly support the irrigation project. However, as it coincided with planting season, villagers requested a temporary pause to resume after harvest,” Isak stressed.
Project Reported to Ministry of Public Works
Meanwhile, PT Adhi Karya’s service provider, Ady, explained the project was halted at the community’s request. Subsequently, the work package was altered due to penalties and contract deductions.
“Yes, the community themselves requested the stoppage from the Baitanu family. Roughly like that; they asked to halt. Now if they request resumption, it cannot proceed as it has been reported to the Ministry of Public Works,” Ady said.
According to Ady, the project controversy previously angered Kupang Regent Yosep Lede. However, he admitted not knowing who would resume the irrigation work.
“Yesterday, the Regent said the site should be left as is, and no further work should be done. However, there is a new package; who will work on it may be another state-owned enterprise or us, as a tender process is scheduled for July 2026,” Ady concluded.
Villagers and Village Heads Visited BBWS
Previously, several village heads accompanied by Amfoang Utara District Head Hendra Mooy visited the Nusa Tenggara II Major River Basin Authority (BBWS) on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. They requested the irrigation project in Kolabe Village be completed promptly.
The meeting was attended by Kolabe Village Head Isak Obes, Fatunaus Village Head Jhoni Adu, Afoan Village Head Yan Kameo, and Bakuin Village Head Ferdy Henuk.
“We request it be completed as soon as possible so our farmers can begin planting,” Hendra Mooy said during discussions with BBWS Nusa Tenggara II’s SDA Implementation Chief Frangky Welkis.
In response, BBWS Nusa Tenggara II plans to provide water pumps as a temporary solution for the Oehani rice fields’ water needs.
“We plan to provide water pumps to address the threat of failed planting among farmers,” said BBWS Nusa Tenggara II Chief Parlinggoman Simanungkalit during a press conference at his office on Monday, 19 January 2026.