waduk

A waduk is the Indonesian term for a man-made water storage facility created by constructing a dam across a river or valley. A waduk consists of a dam, a reservoir, and associated infrastructure to regulate water flow, store water, and convey it for use downstream. Depending on design, the dam can be an earth-fill or concrete structure, and the reservoir is linked to intake towers, penstocks, and, if the project includes power generation, a hydropower plant with turbines and generators. The primary purposes are irrigation for agriculture, potable water supply for cities and industry, flood control, and electricity production. Some waduk also support recreation, fisheries, and environmental flows.

Construction of waduk began in earnest in the mid-20th century in Indonesia as part of development programs. They are typically operated by government agencies or state-owned utilities that manage water resources, distribution, and maintenance. The reservoirs also influence local land use and sediment regimes and may require ongoing dredging to maintain capacity.

Notable examples in Indonesia include Waduk Jatiluhur on the Citarum River, Waduk Cirata, and Waduk Saguling in West Java. These projects support large-scale irrigation schemes and hydroelectric power, contributing to regional water security and regional economies, while also posing challenges such as displacement, sedimentation, and ecosystem change that require careful management.