Waduk Pacal, reservoir in Indonesia
Waduk Pacal is a large water storage facility in Bojonegoro, East Java, that holds water from the Pacal River to supply irrigation to surrounding farmland. The basin is enclosed by concrete walls and surrounded by paths, jati trees, and rocky hills that form a green landscape around the water.
Construction began in 1924 under the Dutch colonial administration and was completed by 1933 to support irrigation in the surrounding region. The dam stands as evidence of colonial-era engineering and remains a physical link to Indonesia's past under foreign rule.
The name Waduk Pacal comes from the Pacal River that feeds the reservoir and defines local water use. The place holds social meaning for residents who gather here for leisure, fishing, and family outings, making it a fixture in daily community life.
The site is accessible during daytime hours and requires a small entrance fee that makes it affordable for most visitors. Wear sturdy shoes as paths can be uneven, and expect some elevation changes when walking toward the water areas.
The reservoir has lost storage capacity over time due to sediment buildup and dropped from roughly 41 million cubic meters to about 21 million cubic meters in capacity. This declining efficiency eventually led authorities to plan a replacement facility called Waduk Gongseng to handle irrigation needs.
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