The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is accelerating the construction of the Bulango Ulu Dam in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. As of August 1, 2025, the physical progress of the project has reached 85.6%. This dam is part of a national effort to achieve food self-sufficiency by ensuring irrigation water supply, water security, and flood risk reduction. The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2025.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that the Bulango Ulu Dam is a strategic national infrastructure project. He stated that it is not merely a physical structure but a commitment to food sovereignty and water resilience, especially in Eastern Indonesia. The dam will have a total storage capacity of 140.95 million m³ and an effective capacity of 58.61 million m³. It will also provide 2,200 liters/second of raw water, irrigate 4,950 hectares, control flooding in 629 hectares, generate 4.96 MW of micro-hydro power, and support tourism development.
The project is divided into two main packages. Package I includes the construction of access roads, bridges, the main dam embankment, and reservoir clearing. Package II covers the spillway, diversion works, hydromechanical systems, and other dam facilities. Public facilities such as the operations office, staff housing, prayer rooms, multipurpose hall, gates, and security posts are also being built to support future operational management.
One major challenge is land acquisition. Of the total 1,723 land plots, 75.91% or 1,231 plots have been cleared, while the rest are in administrative settlement through consignment, court rulings, or coordination with local authorities. The ministry continues to push for the completion of key works such as the main dam embankment, spillway, and intake structures. Additional stages, including plugging and impounding, hydromechanical installation, and landscaping, are scheduled until mid-2026. Minister Dody expressed optimism that with collaboration from all parties, the dam will soon be completed and deliver real benefits to the people of Gorontalo.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
