Indonesia Ministry of Public Works builds boreholes in Lampung

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works is constructing 10 boreholes to combat agricultural drought in Tulang Bawang Regency, Lampung Province. The initiative, implemented through the Mesuji Sekampung River Basin Organization, aims to provide alternative water sources for farmers affected by prolonged dry seasons caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

As of October 16, 2026, the construction of these boreholes is complete and the water is ready for use in the upcoming planting season. While approximately 150 hectares of paddy fields in the regency are affected by drought, the new boreholes are specifically designated to support 15 hectares of farmland in Penawar Baru Village, Gedung Aji District.

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that ensuring water availability for farmers is critical to achieving the national food self-sufficiency target set for 2026. The placement of the wells was determined through surveys and topographical mapping to ensure water distribution reaches rain-fed rice fields located on higher ground.