Residents are Concerned That The Micro Hydro Power Plant Pond in West Lombok Could Collapse

TEMPO.CO, West Lombok – The head of Buwun Sejati Village, Muhidin, expressed concerns about a water retention pond belonging to a Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) built near residential areas. He fears that the 6-meter-high pond could collapse at any time. “That’s what worries me; if it breaks, the houses will be destroyed,” said Muhidin during a meeting at the Buwun Sejati Village Hall, Narmada Subdistrict, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

According to Muhidin, around 30 houses are located near the pond, the closest only about 3 meters away. Based on Tempo’s observation, the height of the pond is almost level with the roofs of the residents’ houses. Muhidin admitted to having difficulty communicating with PT Tirta Daya Rinjani, the company managing the PLTMH. “I want to meet to discuss this issue, but it’s difficult,” he said.

Muhidin also recounted that the pond once overflowed due to heavy rain, causing flooding up to adult ankle level in nearby houses. He said that although the company visited the affected residents, no compensation or follow-up actions were provided. “The company even offered to cut the village’s electricity revenue allocation to repair the damage. ‘We can’t do it, Village Head; if you want, the Rp 60 million fund will be reduced,’” Muhidin said, quoting the company’s statement.

The PLTMH pond collects water from the river in Sesaot Village before it is channeled through pipes to the power generation machine. In Buwun Sejati Village, PLTMH operational facilities house two sets of machines, including a generator, governor, and control panel.

PLTMH operator Juhaeli explained that the electricity generated can be used by the community in the Narmada Subdistrict. Under ideal conditions, the PLTMH can produce up to 550 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per hour. However, during the dry season, production can drop drastically. “Last year’s dry season, for almost three months, it only produced 9 to 80 kWh,” he said.

In 2011, the Sesaot Village community and PT Tirta Daya Rinjani agreed on the construction of this PLTMH project. Four years later, the communities of Sesaot Village and Buwun Sejati Village held a joint meeting. The result was an agreement requiring PT Tirta Daya Rinjani to pay compensation of Rp 60 million per year to Buwun Sejati Village for a power output of 50 kWh.

Source: Tempo