The Public Works Ministry has initiated its Irrigation Water Utilization Improvement Acceleration Program (P3TGAI) for the 2026 fiscal year, targeting approximately 12,000 locations across the country. The program includes the recruitment of community facilitators to assist with its rollout.
Minister Dodi Hanggodo emphasized the program’s role in ensuring an equitable distribution of development benefits. He noted that by directly engaging local communities, these labor-intensive initiatives contribute to job creation, reduce unemployment rates, and boost public purchasing power.
According to Minister Hanggodo, this labor-intensive approach is a strategic government tool designed to bolster national food security, expand employment opportunities across various regions, and empower local communities to actively participate in infrastructure development. He stated that direct community involvement not only results in functional infrastructure but also fosters active participation in the development process.
Under the P3TGAI scheme, development funds are channeled directly to the village level. This approach is intended to cultivate a sense of ownership among residents over the irrigation infrastructure being constructed.
As the program expands in 2026, the contribution of community facilitators is becoming increasingly vital for effective implementation on the ground. These facilitators will provide assistance to farmer groups, including Water User Farmer Associations (P3A), Joint P3A Associations (GP3A), and Main P3A Associations (IP3A).
Their support encompasses various stages, from initial planning and simple construction tasks to administrative management. Facilitators are also responsible for maintaining work quality in the field, aiding in report preparation, and offering technical guidance to promote more efficient and sustainable irrigation management practices.
Ultimately, the ministry aims for the program to achieve multiple objectives: developing reliable irrigation infrastructure, generating employment opportunities, enhancing community capabilities, and strengthening the crucial role of farmers in sustaining national food security.
Source: Original
