Denpasar, en.SERU.co.id – Perum Jasa Tirta I (PJT I) is ready to manage the Bali-Penida River Basin (WS Bali-Penida) in support of integrated and sustainable national water resilience. The assignment refers to Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 9 of 2026 as the implementer of water resources management in the Bali-Penida River Basin.
Director of Operations of PJT I, Milfan Rantawi, said the assignment is carried out based on Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 9 of 2026 issued on 22 April 2026.
“The presence of PJT I in the Bali-Penida River Basin is part of efforts to strengthen integrated and sustainable water resources management. It is also capable of answering the needs of the community and economic development in Bali,” Milfan said on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
As part of the initial stage of implementing the assignment, the company together with the Ministry of Public Works through the Directorate General of Water Resources (Ditjen SDA) held a socialization of Presidential Decree Number 9 of 2026 for the Bali-Penida River Basin on 30 June 2026. The event served as a momentum to introduce the duties and role of PJT I.
“At the same time, it builds coordination with the Bali-Penida River Basin Agency (BWS Bali-Penida), local governments, water resources users, the community and other stakeholders,” he added.
Hydrological Challenges in the Sarbagita Zone
Vice President of Regional III of PJT I, Didik Ardianto, revealed that water resources management in the Bali-Penida River Basin faces significant hydrological challenges. This occurs due to fluctuations in water availability between the rainy and dry seasons, particularly in the Sarbagita Zone covering Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan.
“In the rainy season, annual rainfall reaches more than 2,000 mm, which often causes surplus surface flow that triggers flooding in several areas. This condition becomes increasingly complex with the increasing rate of land-use change. As a result, there is an increase in sedimentation and land instability that affects the natural drainage capacity of rivers,” Didik explained.
Meanwhile, entering the dry season, the challenge shifts to a water balance deficit that is spread across almost all zones in the Bali-Penida River Basin. The greatest pressure is in Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan (Sarbagita Zone).
“The Sarbagita Zone experiences a significant water shortage for meeting domestic and industrial needs,” he said.
To address these challenges, one of the water resources management activities that will be carried out by PJT I in the initial stage of the assignment is strengthening the hydrometeorological system through the implementation of a Smart Water Management System (SWMS).
“The system is used to monitor and predict rainfall and discharge so that it is later expected to become a good decision support system. This is particularly for all water resources management stakeholders in the Bali-Penida River Basin, as has already been implemented by PJT I in its five previous working areas,” he stated.
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PJT I Brings Experience from Managing Five Existing River Basins
Head of the Water Services and Water Sources Division for the Bali-Penida River Basin of PJT I, Hamim Ghufroni, said PJT I is ready to bring its experience in managing five existing river basins to support the implementation of the assignment in the Bali-Penida River Basin. One of the focuses that will be strengthened is the water resources information system through the development of SWMS and the use of telemetry technology.
PJT I will strengthen collaboration with the Water Resources Management Coordination Team (TKPSDA), BWS Bali-Penida, the Bali Provincial Government, regency and city governments, and other stakeholders. This collaboration is needed to ensure that water resources management can run in an integrated manner and according to regional needs.
“We will work hand in hand and collaborate with related stakeholders for water resources management in the Bali-Penida River Basin. For the fulfilment of raw water, PJT I will strive as optimally as possible as has been done in the five existing river basins,” Hamim explained.
In carrying out the assignment, PJT I refers to the five pillars of water resources management, namely:
- conservation
- utilization
- control of water destructive force
- development of water resources information systems
- community empowerment and participation
“Armed with 36 years of experience in water resources management, PJT I will bring operational competence and experience as well as the management systems that the company has developed to support the implementation of duties in the Bali-Penida River Basin,” Hamim emphasized.
Bali-Penida River Basin Management Meets Water Needs of Communities Industry and Tourism
Raw water needs are one of the concerns in the management of the Bali-Penida River Basin in line with population growth and economic activities in Bali. The raw water managed and utilized by PJT I will also support the needs of the community, industry and the tourism sector.
“The presence of PJT I in the Bali-Penida River Basin is part of the company’s commitment to supporting the strengthening of national water security. Through integrated and collaborative management, water resources in Bali are expected to continue providing benefits for the community in supporting environmental sustainability and economic activities, as well as maintaining a balance between water needs and the carrying capacity of the region,” Hamim explained.
In addition to meeting water needs, PJT I will also encourage conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of water resources. Conservation is important to maintain land cover, prevent the increase of critical land, and improve the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater.
“Conservation activities of course also need to be promoted so that critical land does not increase. Rainwater that falls does not immediately flow into rivers and then to the sea, but more of it is absorbed into the ground and becomes groundwater recharge,” Hamim concluded. (rhd)
Indonesian Version:
PJT I Siap Kelola WS Bali-Penida Dukung Ketahanan Air Nasional Terpadu dan Berkelanjutan
