Waskita Karya Strengthens Role, Builds 29 Dams in a Decade
PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk is strengthening its role as a strategic partner to the government in building infrastructure that serves as a driver of economic growth, improved public welfare, and the creation of new economic centres across various regions. Through the construction of dams, irrigation networks, and other water resource infrastructure throughout Indonesia, the company delivers benefits that extend far beyond their primary functions of providing raw water, irrigation, flood control, and energy generation. This infrastructure has evolved into a catalyst for new tourism areas, the growth of local MSMEs, increased regional investment, and job creation, providing a sustainable economic impact for communities.
President Prabowo Subianto recently inaugurated several dams, stating that the total investment for these projects amounted to Rp9.79 trillion. He noted that with the support of technology and the best seeds, the country could produce one million tonnes of rice. “I entrust you to look after these dams well. Manage them well, maintain them well, and ensure that the water needed reaches the farmers,” he said during the inauguration ceremony.
Waskita Karya Corporate Secretary Ermy Puspa Yunita stated that the construction of 29 dams across various regions of Indonesia over the last decade reflects the company’s commitment to creating economic value through water resource infrastructure development. For Waskita Karya, the success of a development is measured not only by the completion of a project but by the magnitude of the economic, social, and environmental value it continues to generate for Indonesia in the long term. “Dams and irrigation networks are not merely construction projects. This infrastructure forms the foundation of national food and water security, while simultaneously opening new growth opportunities for the tourism sector, inland fisheries, the creative economy, MSMEs, and regional investment. Every dam we build is expected to create a multiplier effect that continues to develop for decades and provides tangible benefits for the community and the national economy,” Ermy explained.
To date, at least seven dams built by Waskita have developed into tourist destinations managed by the community and local governments. These include Jlantah and Bener dams in Central Java, Leuwikeris Dam in West Java, Karian Dam in Banten, Margatiga Dam in Lampung, Tapin Dam in South Kalimantan, and Temef Dam in East Nusa Tenggara. The presence of these dams has spurred new economic activities through culinary businesses, homestays, tourist boat rentals, souvenir centres, local transport services, family recreation areas, and the empowerment of Tourism Awareness Groups. Simultaneously, the infrastructure increases agricultural productivity through a guaranteed water supply, strengthens the inland fisheries sector, and enhances water security for communities and industrial areas.
A recent example is Jlantah Dam, located in an area already known for the Tawangmangu and Mount Lawu tourist destinations. This dam expands the tourism appeal of Central Java while opening new economic opportunities for the surrounding community through nature tourism, MSMEs, and the creative economy. Similar potential is seen at Bener Dam, which is integrated with the buffer zone of the Borobudur Super Priority Destination, and Karian Dam, which has become a new tourist destination while strengthening water security for millions of people in Banten, Jakarta, and West Java. Temef Dam stands as an important milestone for equitable development and strengthening food security in Eastern Indonesia.
“Every dam built by Waskita Karya is a long-term investment that creates sustainable economic value. In addition to strengthening food and water security, this infrastructure acts as an investment catalyst, increases agricultural sector productivity, opens business and employment opportunities, and drives the growth of MSMEs and tourism. This is the embodiment of Waskita Karya’s role as an economic value creator in supporting inclusive and sustainable national economic growth,” Ermy added.
With over 65 years of experience in building strategic national infrastructure, Waskita Karya continues to strengthen its position as a trusted development partner for the government and various stakeholders. In line with the company’s transformation, it is becoming increasingly selective in developing a project portfolio that offers high economic benefits, healthy financing schemes, and long-term added value for society and the state. Looking ahead, Waskita Karya is optimistic that the need for dams, irrigation networks, food security infrastructure, water resource management, and various national mega projects will continue to grow. The company is ready to take on a greater role in supporting Indonesia’s development agenda through productive, sustainable infrastructure capable of creating cross-sector economic benefits.