Transport Minister Supports Streamlined Seaplane Operating Licence in West Nusa Tenggara

Mataram — Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport is supporting the streamlining of licensing procedures for seaplane operations landing at Batujai Dam in Central Lombok Regency to boost the tourism sector in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the ministry’s support is being extended through simplified licensing approval for investors seeking to operate seaplanes in NTB.

“We are easing the regulations for hotel managers and tourism operators to be able to operate civil aircraft. So we are providing flexibility and ease to operators to be able to own or operate seaplanes under more straightforward regulations,” Purwagandhi said in Mataram on Saturday.

He stated that through these licensing simplifications, he hopes to drive growth in NTB’s tourism sector. Seaplanes will not only land at Batujai Dam but also at several small islands throughout NTB.

In addition to attending a coordination meeting on preparations for Eid transport 2026 between the provincial government and regencies/cities in NTB, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi and NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Central Lombok Regent Lalu Pathul Bahri and PT Abadi Mega Angkutan Nusantara (AMAN), designating Batujai Dam as a seaplane hub and hangar.

NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal stated that Batujai Dam is planned to become Indonesia’s first seaplane hub to encourage quality tourists to enjoy the numerous destinations scattered across NTB.

The selection of Batujai Dam was made through rigorous technical calculation. Its proximity to Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (BIZAM) presents an advantage not found at other locations.