Soedirman Dam


Panglima Besar Soedirman Dam, commonly known as Mrica Dam, is a large earth-fill embankment dam on the Serayu River in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. It was constructed between 1982 and 1988 and formally inaugurated in 1989 by President Soeharto. Named after Indonesian national hero Soedirman, the dam plays a vital role in regional energy and water management.

Functions

The dam supports multiple purposes:
  • Hydroelectric generation – supplies electricity to Java and Bali via the Panglima Besar Soedirman Power Plant.
  • Irrigation – supports ~4,883 hectares of agricultural land.
  • Flood control – reduces seasonal flood risk in the Serayu basin.
  • Water supply and fisheries – provides clean water and supports inland aquaculture.
  • Tourism and recreation – includes boating, camping, and a golf course. The first opening of the tourist site was held on 27th February, 2025, after being promoted by local tourist groups and social medias. The site started to attract people during the Eidl fitr holidays.

    History

Feasibility studies began in 1974, with initial designs proposed by Soviet engineers. However, geopolitical challenges and design standard issues led the project to be reassigned to a Swedish-British consortium. Construction included a pioneering bottom outlet for sediment flushing and emergency discharge — a first for Indonesian dams.

Hydropower

Operated by PLN Indonesia Power, the hydroelectric station features:
  • Installed capacity: 184.5 MW
  • Annual generation: ~564 GWh

    Reservoir

Known as Mrica Reservoir, it has:
  • Surface area: 1,250 hectares
  • Catchment area: 1,022 km²
  • Total capacity: 157 million cubic meters