The Balikpapan City Government is accelerating the construction of irrigation infrastructure in the Gunung Binjai agricultural area, Teritip Sub-district, East Balikpapan District. The project, funded by the regional budget (APBD) worth IDR 4.8 billion, is designed to boost the productivity of the local agricultural sector, aiming to increase the harvest frequency of farmers from two to three times a year.
During a field inspection, the Deputy Mayor of Balikpapan, Bagus Susetyo, explained that the project includes the construction of a 750-meter-long concrete irrigation canal spread across four strategic points. With a width of approximately 1.2 meters and permanent concrete construction, this facility is expected to optimally distribute water supply to local rice fields more evenly.
This new irrigation system utilizes stable water discharge from two interconnected rivers, even during transitional seasons. This strategic step is part of the Balikpapan City Government's efforts to reduce dependence on food from outside the region. Gradually, this irrigation network is projected to irrigate all agricultural land in the Gunung Binjai area, which has a total area of 42 hectares.
As of late July 2026, the physical progress of the project has reportedly reached 26 percent, exceeding the initial target of 6 percent. The Balikpapan City Government targets the entire construction process to be fully completed by December 2026. Currently, the productivity of rice fields in the area stands at around 4.5 tons of harvested dry paddy per hectare.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Gunung Binjai Farmers Group, Romadhon, welcomed the government's move, as water limitations have often constrained their planting patterns. While appreciating the new irrigation project, he urged the city government to immediately address clogged drainage issues to prevent flooding during heavy rains, as well as repair two leaking check dams to maximize water storage.
