PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN,(Jakarta)— PEMUDA (Monitor of Central and Regional Government Performance), a non-governmental organization, has issued a statement regarding the implementation of water resources infrastructure development policies carried out by the Directorate General of Water Resources (Ditjen SDA) under the Ministry of Public Works (PU).

The statement was delivered during a protest held by PEMUDA in front of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) office in Jakarta. This action serves as a means to convey public aspirations and urge the government to conduct a thorough evaluation of various strategic projects within the water resources sector.

As part of civil society, PEMUDA affirmed its commitment to remain actively involved as social control and an agent of change, promoting clean, fair governance that prioritizes the people’s interests.

The Action Coordinator of PEMUDA, Ungkap Marpaung, stated that the role of youth is not only to drive change but also to oversee the implementation of public policies, particularly in strategic sectors such as water resources infrastructure development.

“PEMUDA stands as part of civil society with a moral responsibility to ensure that every government policy is executed transparently, accountably, and truly serves the public interest. We believe that today’s youth should not merely be spectators, but act as social control and reformers who must dare to correct deviant policies,” Marpaung stated.

Furthermore, he explained that conceptually, the policies of the Directorate General of Water Resources focusing on water, food, and energy security through the construction of dams, retention ponds, irrigation networks, flood control, and coastal protection are strategic steps that deserve appreciation.

However, in their actual implementation on the ground, PEMUDA has identified various issues that require immediate and comprehensive rectification.

“We have observed a gap between sound policy concepts and their execution in the field. Many projects are not running optimally; some have even had their contracts terminated or been abandoned. This indicates serious problems in planning and supervision,” he emphasized.

PEMUDA specifically highlighted the work areas of several River Basin Management Units (BBWS), including Cimanuk-Cisanggarung, Citanduy, Citarum, and Brantas, which they believe require full evaluation.

“We urge a total audit and evaluation of projects within these BBWS areas. Problematic works that potentially cause losses to the state and society must not be overlooked,” Marpaung added.

Additionally, PEMUDA raised concerns regarding alleged project monopolization practices by certain groups with close ties to officials within the BBWS.

“We request law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Public Works to investigate indications of project domination by specific groups. If proven true, this constitutes a serious violation of the principles of fairness and healthy competition,” he said.

In their statement, PEMUDA also stressed the importance of comprehensive bureaucratic reform within the River Basin Management Units.

“Bureaucratic reform is not just rhetoric, but an urgent necessity. We need officials who are results-oriented, not just procedure-oriented. This is crucial to eradicate corruption, collusion, and nepotism, as well as to restore public trust,” Marpaung asserted.

PEMUDA hopes that the Ministry of Public Works will take the findings and aspirations seriously and take immediate concrete steps for improvement.

“We issue this statement responsibly out of concern for national development. It is our hope that the Ministry of Public Works will promptly conduct evaluations and improvements to ensure development truly brings prosperity to the people,” he concluded.

@Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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