DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The initial water filling, known as Initial Impounding, of the Lau Simeme Dam in Biru-Biru Subdistrict, Deli Serdang Regency, began on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The important step toward the dam's operation was marked by the activation of the siren by Gibson Panjaitan, Acting Head of the Water Resources Agency of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, together with Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo and representatives of the Directorate General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works.
The initial impounding marks a significant milestone after the government, together with various agencies and stakeholders, completed the lengthy construction phases of the
Lau Simeme Dam. The infrastructure is designed not only to provide water resources but also to support
flood control,
raw water supply, irrigation, and power generation, while contributing to economic development for communities in surrounding areas.
The Lau Simeme Dam also holds a strategic position in meeting the water needs of residents in Medan City and Deli Serdang Regency. With its substantial storage capacity, the dam forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen integrated water resource management in urban areas and their surrounding regions.
Key Milestone in Dam Construction
Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo said the initial impounding represents a major milestone following the lengthy construction process of the Lau Simeme Dam, which included planning, land acquisition, and construction of the main infrastructure.
"This is a source of pride for the people and the
Deli Serdang Regency Government. The
Lau Simeme Dam has strategic importance, not only for
flood control and
raw water supply, but also for creating opportunities for economic development for communities in the surrounding areas," he said.
According to Lom Lom, the Lau Simeme Dam brings new hope to the people of Deli Serdang. In addition to its role in water management, the infrastructure could generate new economic activities as the areas surrounding the dam continue to develop.
The
Deli Serdang Regency Government also views the dam's construction as part of infrastructure development with broad-ranging impacts. Its benefits are not limited to reducing flood risks but also include supporting agriculture, meeting the water needs of residents, and strengthening economic activities.
In a speech delivered by Gibson Panjaitan, Acting Head of the Water Resources Agency of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, the Governor of North Sumatra described the Lau Simeme Dam as one of the strategic projects expected to provide significant benefits, particularly to residents of Medan City and Deli Serdang Regency.
The
North Sumatra Provincial Government expects the dam to strengthen the integrated
flood control system in Medan and
Deli Serdang. At the same time, the infrastructure is expected to help meet the growing demand for raw water, which continues to increase alongside population growth and expanding economic activity.
LAU SIMEME DAM A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR DELI SERDANG: Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo described the start of the Lau Simeme Dam's initial impounding as an important milestone and a source of pride for the people and the Deli Serdang Regency Government. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Impounding Conducted Gradually and Under Control
Asmelita, Head of Region I Subdirectorate at the Directorate of Dams and Lakes under the Directorate General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works, emphasized in her delivery of the Director General of Water Resources' statement that the initial impounding must be carried out gradually and under controlled conditions, with dam safety remaining the top priority.
The start of the impounding process is an important step in ensuring that all dam systems function according to the design. Therefore, the operator must regularly monitor the condition of the structure as the water level rises.
The Ministry of Public Works places particular emphasis on safety at every stage of the impounding process. Inspection and monitoring of the structural condition are essential requirements before the dam enters full operation.
Marwansyah, Head of Implementation at the Sumatera II Regional Water Resources Office in Medan, said construction of the
Lau Simeme Dam began in 2018. The project was financed through the state budget, with total funding of approximately Rp1.7 trillion.
The dam stands 73.5 meters high and has a crest length of 205 meters. The Lau Simeme Dam has a storage capacity of 25.17 million cubic meters and a flooded area of approximately 125.87 hectares.
With these technical specifications, the
Lau Simeme Dam has the capacity to support various water resource management needs in
North Sumatra. The infrastructure is also part of a water management system directly linked to the needs of residents and economic activities in downstream areas.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND BENEFITS OF LAU SIMEME DAM: Marwansyah, Head of Implementation at the Sumatera II Regional Water Resources Office in Medan, explained the technical specifications and benefits of the Lau Simeme Dam, whose construction began in 2018 with approximately Rp1.7 trillion in state budget funding. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Floodwater Retention of Up to 117 Cubic Meters per Second
In terms of flood control, the Lau Simeme Dam can reduce the flood discharge of the Deli River through the Deli-Percut canal system by up to 117 cubic meters per second. This capability is among the dam's key benefits and is expected to strengthen protection for areas in Medan and Deli Serdang against flood risks.
In addition to its
flood control function, the dam will provide 2.85 cubic meters of raw water per second. Approximately 1.3 cubic meters per second is allocated for Medan City, while 1.5 cubic meters per second is designated for
Deli Serdang Regency.
The available raw water supply is expected to help meet the growing needs of the population. At the same time, the government can utilize the infrastructure to implement better-planned water management, allowing water demand in urban areas and developing regions to be addressed more effectively.
The
Lau Simeme Dam also has a function in the energy sector. The infrastructure was designed to support electricity generation with a capacity of one megawatt.
In the agricultural sector, the dam will also supply water to the Bandar Sidoras irrigation area, which covers approximately 3,000 hectares. Support for the irrigation network is expected to help secure water availability for agricultural land while strengthening food security.
The
Initial Impounding was originally scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026. However, the government postponed the process following an earthquake in order to inspect the condition of the dam in accordance with applicable safety standards.
After the inspection confirmed that the earthquake had not affected the dam's structure, the government proceeded with the initial impounding. The decision also demonstrates the importance placed on safety considerations before each stage of construction and subsequent dam operation.
Although the initial impounding has begun, several additional works still need to be completed. These include sealing the diversion tunnel, known as plugging, installing the penstock pipeline, and constructing the valve house in the dam outlet area.
The completion of these works forms part of the next steps toward achieving optimal operation of the Lau Simeme Dam. The government and relevant authorities will continue monitoring the condition of the dam throughout the process.
With the start of the initial water filling, the
Lau Simeme Dam has entered an important stage of its development. The dam is expected to strengthen protection for communities against flood risks, improve the reliability of raw water supplies, support irrigation and food security, and create new opportunities for economic growth in
Deli Serdang Regency and
North Sumatra Province.
Going forward, the Lau Simeme Dam is expected to be utilized optimally, while structural safety and sustainable water resource management remain central priorities. The strategic infrastructure is an important component in strengthening basic public services and supporting the continued development of regions across North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Edi Saputra | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala