President Jokowi inspects aid distribution of 300 water pumps in Jaling village, Bone regency, South Sulawesi province, Thursday (07/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (07/04) kicked off South Sulawesi working visit. The President and his entourage took off from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta onboard Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircraft at around 07.00 Western Indonesian Time.
Upon his arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base in Maros regency, South Sulawesi province, the President headed to Bone regency using the Indonesian Air Force’s Super Puma helicopter.
In Bone regency, President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo inspected aid distribution of 300 water pumps in Jaling village. The aid affirms the Government commitment in strengthening food security and farmers’ welfare through improved irrigation system in drought prone area, including South Sulawesi.
On that occasion, the President also engaged in conversation with farmers who told him that rainfall as the main water source is important to irrigate his paddy field. Therefore, he added, the water pump can help him water the plant during dry season.
Another farmer, Andi Mus Mulyadi, told the President about significant increase in agricultural yield following the use of water pumps.
“We only (grow) crops once a year when we don’t have water pumps. When we used pump, thank God, we can grow three times a year. The yield also increases to one ton,” he said.
After concluding the aid distribution, the President is slated to visit Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Sinjai regency to inspect health facilities and services they provided. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/LW)
