Batujai Dam to Become Seaplane Waterbase, Amphibious Aircraft Flights Set to Increase in West Nusa Tenggara

Batujai Dam in Praya Barat District, Lombok Tengah, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is to become a seaplane waterbase and runway facility for amphibious aircraft in NTB. The designation was formally approved through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) witnessed directly by Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi in Mataram.

NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal stated that the MoU signing designating Batujai Dam as a seaplane waterbase in NTB has been agreed upon by the Transport Ministry. This will facilitate increased amphibious aircraft operations in NTB to support the tourism industry.

“The Minister took the opportunity to witness the signing today. This will commence preparations for the opening of the seaplane waterbase at Batujai Dam,” Iqbal said on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Iqbal explained that the seaplane waterbase at Batujai Dam will be directly connected to Lombok International Airport. All preparations and feasibility studies have been completed.

With the MoU signing, Iqbal stated, all preparations will systematically begin for seaplane flights from Lombok to various island tourism destinations. However, he noted that certain regulations need to be finalised.

“There will also be new regulations specifically for seaplanes from the Transport Ministry,” Iqbal said.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the new specific regulations are intended to facilitate hotel and resort operators in obtaining permits to operate amphibious aircraft.

“These regulations will provide flexibility or perhaps ease for resort operators or tourism operators to be able to own or operate seaplane aircraft,” he said.

By facilitating this, Purwagandhi said, premium tourism in NTB can grow rapidly. In addition to utilising the Waterbase at Batujai Dam, seaplanes will also land at several small islands in NTB.

“This serves as one alternative use for seaplanes. Why Batujai? We found the intermodal connection to be superior because it is directly linked to Lombok International Airport, that’s all,” Purwagandhi concluded.