Rehabilitation Irrigation Systems in the Republic of Indonesia

In addition to the $5 million credit made to the Republic of Indonesia in 1968 for the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, the International Development Association (IDA) has approved a $18.5 million credit mainly for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Djatiluhur irrigation system-near Djakarta-in an attempt to intensify rice-production in the most important rice- producing area in West Java. This has been given highest priority by the Government, rice being the staple food in Indonesia, and is expected to increase production by 400,000 tons annually over the present level. Besides ensuring effective irrigation, the project also calls for the improvement of drainage, roads and communications, flood protection and the optimum use of its reservoir in a priority area of 459,000 acres, with a view to extending its services to an additional 166,000 acres. The Djatiluhur Authority, a new Government-established public corporation, has been entrusted with the operation and maintenance of the multipurpose project, including the hydroelectric power and irrigation system. Of the total estimated cost of $37 million, the IDA credit, which is interest-free but with a service charge of 3/4 of 1%, and which extends over a period of 50 years including a ten years grace, will cover all foreign exchange costs as well as part of the local currency expenditures, while the rest will be financed by the Indonesian Government.
Workmen cross a bamboo bridge carrying loads of earth or clay from nearby fields to build the banks of a secondary canal and reinforce the ditch in an effort to ensure maximum water-flow.