Gili Trawangan Water Crisis: North Lombok Regency Asks TCN to Reopen Taps Through Six-Month Discretion
The clean water crisis on Gili Trawangan has grown increasingly urgent. The North Lombok Regency Government, together with the NTB Provincial Government, has asked PT Tiara Cipta Nirwana (TCN) to reopen its water taps through a six-month discretionary arrangement whilst the company completes its permitting process with the central government.
“We are asking for the taps to be reopened whilst PT TCN obtains its permits from the centre. So there is no other option. This must be done quickly,” said Najmul following a meeting with the NTB Governor on Monday afternoon (7/9/2026).
Najmul stressed that there is no alternative company other than PT TCN to resolve the water crisis on Gili Trawangan. According to him, replacing the company would require a lengthy process.
“Meanwhile, the public needs swift handling. This is why we must find quick steps,” he said.
The policy was adopted after PT TCN’s water supply was cut off on Thursday night (4/9). The situation made the need for clean water on Gili Trawangan even more pressing.
Regarding legal and permitting issues, the Regent explained that PT TCN is not entangled in any legal case. According to him, PT TCN is in the midst of a dispute and adjustment process concerning its Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) permits with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).
“So the KKP is simply asking PT TCN to improve its operational system,” he said.
Indeed, according to Najmul, PT TCN was initially reluctant and afraid to resume operations, fearing it would be obstructed or challenged again whilst its permitting process remained unfinished at both the KKP and the Ministry of Environment (LH).
Najmul also clarified that PT TCN’s SWRO scheme or model has not been rejected outright by the ministry. According to him, only several items relating to the agreement and the implementation of the permitting process have yet to be approved.
“So there are just a few items relating to the agreement that have not been approved. Our target is for this discretion to apply for six months whilst the permits are completed. We will oversee it,” asserted the Perindo politician.
During the six-month discretionary period, PT TCN is being asked to reopen its water taps immediately to meet the basic needs of residents on Gili Trawangan. At the same time, PT TCN is required to continue arranging the completeness of its permits.
Meanwhile, the NTB Provincial Government and the North Lombok Regency Government have committed to overseeing and facilitating the permitting process as long as it does not conflict with prevailing laws and regulations.
“This is a basic interest of the public, so we are asking PT TCN to reopen its taps,” Najmul emphasised.
The clean water crisis has previously had a direct impact on tourism activity on Gili Trawangan. As many as 315 foreign tourists fled Gili Trawangan as a consequence of the clean water crisis.
Unfortunately, in order to meet water supplies, hotel operators have been forced to draw water from swimming pools to fulfil basic operational needs.
This emergency measure was taken by businesses so they could continue to deliver excellent service during the peak visiting season (high season) on Gili Trawangan.
The Chairman of the NTB chapter of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA), who also chairs the Gili Trawangan Hotel Association, Lalu Kusnawan, revealed that hoteliers have been scrambling to find solutions amid the water crisis in the tourist area.
According to him, businesses have been forced to buy water from outside the island to meet tourists’ needs.
“We buy water from the mainland, we’re forced to siphon water from swimming pools and so on. Meanwhile, the industry is currently struggling to keep guests staying with first-class service,” Kusnawan told detikBali on Sunday night (6/9/2026).