Surabaya City Government Partners with East Java High Prosecutor's Office to Recover PDAM and Brantas Pool Assets from Third Parties
Brantas Swimming Pool and assets belonging to the Regional Water Supply Company (PDAM) on Jalan Basuki Rahmat have returned to the attention of Surabaya City Government. These two historic assets, which were once iconic landmarks in the City of Heroes, have continued to be overshadowed by ownership disputes.
Amidst emerging claims from third parties, Surabaya City Government has partnered with the East Java High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Jatim) to accelerate asset tracing and ensure these assets are fully returned to state control.
This step was marked by the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between Surabaya City Government and the Asset Recovery Division of Kejati Jatim.
The agreement was signed directly by Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi and Head of Kejati Jatim Agus Sahat Sampe Tua Lumban Gaol in the Meeting Room at Kejati, 3rd Floor, Surabaya, on Thursday (5 March 2026).
This cooperation is part of Surabaya City Government’s strategy to strengthen protection of regional assets, particularly those still under the control of third parties.
The agreement is based on Attorney General Guideline Number 7 of 2025, which expands the authority of the asset recovery division in supporting ministries, agencies, and local governments.
In addition to asset recovery, the cooperation also includes upgrading human resources capacity and exchanging data and information between the two institutions.
Mayor Eri explained that efforts to rescue assets are not a new initiative. Such efforts have been undertaken since the tenure of the previous city administration.
According to him, collaboration with Kejati Jatim has yielded concrete results, including the return of Unesa Reservoir, which now falls back under the management of Surabaya City Government.
The value of Unesa Reservoir (Lidah Wetan) assets recovered by Kejati Jatim stands at Rp 176 billion. The 21,832 square-metre asset was subsequently converted by Surabaya City Government into Taman Tirta Adhyaksa, which serves as flood control, green open space, and an educational tourism venue.
Previously, in 2025, Surabaya City Government also partnered with Tanjung Perak District Prosecutor’s Office. Together, they successfully recovered land assets measuring 7,524 square metres in Banjar Sugihan Village and 6,581 square metres in Manukan Kulon Village.
Assets valued at Rp 55.2 billion in Banjar Sugihan and Manukan Kulon have been pursued since 2005, but faced obstacles in obtaining certification. Now, these land assets will be utilised by Surabaya City Government as public facilities to support residents’ economic activities.
Nevertheless, Mayor Eri acknowledged that several other assets still have unclear ownership status.
“Brantas Swimming Pool is an iconic asset of Surabaya City. However, to this day, there remain two competing ownership claims. We hope that through this cooperation, and under the leadership of the High Prosecutor, state assets, particularly those belonging to Surabaya City Government, can be returned for the benefit of residents,” said Eri.
Mayor Eri highlighted a persistent problem in regional asset disputes: ownership claims that suddenly emerge from third parties, even when the government holds official documents.
According to him, there are several assets experiencing similar problems, requiring legal support.
“We already hold certificates, there have never been issues, then suddenly claims emerge from other parties. There are approximately five assets that have genuine disputes like this. That is why we need legal assistance to clear up the asset situation in Surabaya,” he explained.
With the backing of law enforcement institutions, Surabaya City Government is optimistic that various bureaucratic and legal obstacles that have hindered asset recovery can be quickly overcome.
“Hopefully, with this new division, asset tracing becomes easier and faster. On behalf of Surabaya residents, I extend my gratitude to Kejati Jatim for their considerable assistance in returning our assets,” said Eri.
In the same statement, Agus explained that strengthening asset recovery functions is part of the state’s commitment to protecting public wealth.
Through this division, the prosecutor’s office has the authority to trace, secure, maintain, and seize assets derived from criminal activity so they can be returned to the rightful owner, including local governments.
Following the signing of the cooperation agreement, the High Prosecutor of Kejati Jatim confirmed that it, together with Surabaya City Government, plans to immediately hold a coordination meeting to map the most urgent assets for handling.
This step is expected to clarify the issues and determine the appropriate legal strategy to accelerate the asset recovery process.
“We will hold a meeting with Surabaya City Government regarding which assets are urgent and what obstacles exist to take immediate action,” added Agus.