Gili Trawangan, one of Lombok’s most popular tourist destinations, is facing a clean water crisis after the island’s water supply was cut off, prompting the North Lombok Regency Government to ask PT Tiara Cipta Nirwana (TCN) to resume operations while its licensing process is completed.
The water supply was reportedly stopped by PT TCN on Thursday night (4 September), leaving residents and tourism businesses facing growing difficulties in meeting basic water needs. The North Lombok Regency Government and the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government are now seeking a temporary solution while the company works through licensing requirements with the central government.
The NTB Provincial Government has also urged the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) to assist with the licensing process, which authorities say is key to resolving the issue.
Muslim, Head of the NTB Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency, said the water supply problem on Gili Trawangan needed to be resolved permanently and immediately. He said the island’s clean water needs could not continue to depend on temporary discretionary measures.
Government Proposes Six-Month Discretionary Period
North Lombok Regent Najmul Akhyar said the local and provincial governments were planning to introduce a six-month discretionary measure that would allow PT TCN to resume supplying water while it completes the necessary licensing process with the central government.
“We are asking for the water supply to be turned on while PT TCN secures permits from the central government. There is no other option; this needs to be done quickly,” said Najmul following a meeting with the NTB Governor on Monday afternoon (7 September), as reported by Detiknews.
Najmul said PT TCN remained the most practical option for addressing the water shortage because changing to another water provider would take considerable time.
“Meanwhile, the community needs a quick solution. We must find a way to act fast,” he said.
The Regent also clarified that PT TCN was not currently involved in a legal case. Instead, the company is dealing with a dispute and an adjustment to the licensing requirements for its Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) operations with the KKP.
“So, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is simply asking PT TCN to improve its operational systems,” he said.
PT TCN has reportedly been reluctant to restart its operations due to concerns that it could face further obstacles while its licensing processes with the KKP and the Ministry of Environment (LH) remain incomplete.
However, Najmul said the company’s SWRO system had not been rejected outright by the ministry. According to him, several matters concerning the agreement and the implementation of the licensing process were still awaiting approval.
“So, there are just a few items related to the agreement that haven’t been approved yet. We are targeting a six-month discretionary period to allow operations while the licensing is finalised. We will oversee this process,” asserted the Perindo politician.
Under the proposed six-month arrangement, PT TCN would be required to immediately restore the water supply to meet the basic needs of people on Gili Trawangan while continuing to secure the necessary permits.
The NTB Provincial Government and North Lombok Regency Government have also committed to overseeing and facilitating the licensing process, provided that the measures remain in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
“This concerns the community’s basic needs; we are asking PT TCN to turn on the taps,” Najmul emphasised.
Water Shortage Puts Pressure on Gili Trawangan Tourism
The water shortage is also affecting tourism businesses on Gili Trawangan, with 315 foreign tourists reportedly leaving the island amid the crisis.
Hotels and other tourism operators have been looking for alternative ways to maintain their operations. Some businesses have reportedly been forced to purchase water from outside the island, while others have pumped water from swimming pools to meet basic operational requirements.
Lalu Kusnawan, Chairman of the NTB chapter of the Indonesian Hotel General Managers Association (IHGMA) and Head of the Gili Trawangan Hotel Association, said hotel operators were working to manage the situation while attempting to maintain services for visitors during the island’s peak tourist season.
Kusnawan said businesses were having to source water from outside Gili Trawangan and use available water resources to keep their operations running.
“We are sourcing water from outside sources and are forced to pump water from swimming pools and the like. Meanwhile, the industry is currently scrambling to keep guests staying by providing excellent service,” said Kusnawan on Sunday evening (6 September).
The ongoing situation has placed additional pressure on tourism businesses that rely on a stable water supply for accommodation and other services.
While local authorities work towards a temporary arrangement with PT TCN, the provincial and regency governments are also expected to facilitate the completion of the company’s licensing requirements with the relevant ministries.
