Competing with Bali: Tourists in NTB May Soon Be Able to Ride Amphibious Aircraft at the Batujai Dam

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Transportation Department (Dishub) of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province stated that the permit for the construction of a seaplane facility at the Batujai Dam in Central Lombok Regency is still being processed by the central government.

Head of NTB Dishub, Ervan Anwar, said that all application documents have been sent to the relevant ministries and his team is currently maintaining intensive communication to ensure the permitting process can be completed soon.

“It is currently in progress. It is not possible for a permit to be requested today and signed immediately. Everything requires a process, but we continue to communicate,” Ervan said in Mataram, Sunday (17/5/2026).

According to him, the permits being applied for cover aspects of air transportation as well as the use of water space at the Batujai Dam which is under the authority of the River Basin Authority (BWS).

“Since the beginning, all documents have been sent. For example, for permits related to cultivation activities under the Ministry of Public Works and BWS, then permits related to aircraft operations from the Ministry of Transportation. Now we are just waiting for the process,” he said.

Ervan explained that the concept of a seaplane combines air and water transportation modes so it does not require a conventional runway like an airport. Amphibious aircraft only need a water runway of about 400 meters for take-off and landing.

“If on the water, there is no need for a long runway like most airports. About 400 meters is enough for take-off and landing,” he said.

He believes that this service will later be able to open up connectivity between tourist destinations in NTB, especially for areas that are difficult to reach quickly by land or sea.

The projected routes include the Gili Tramena archipelago, the Sekotong tourism area, East Lombok, and Teluk Saleh on Sumbawa Island.

“This is to support short-distance tourist destinations, so tourists can visit more places in a short time,” said Ervan.

Although it is not yet known what type of amphibious aircraft will be operated, Ervan said that this service targets premium tourists who want to explore many destinations in a limited time.