BLITAR – The new Brantas dam access restrictions will gradually limit vehicle movement at Wlingi Raya and Lodoyo dams as authorities seek to protect critical water infrastructure in East Java.
State-owned water management company PJT I confirmed that the policy is not simply a traffic regulation measure. Officials said the dam structures were never designed to support continuous public vehicle loads, especially from heavy transportation.
Head of the Brantas River Basin Service Division at PJT I, Agung Nugroho, said four-wheeled vehicles can still pass through Wlingi Raya and Lodoyo dams for now. However, authorities may tighten restrictions in stages depending on future conditions and community needs.
“Access for four-wheeled vehicles at Wlingi Raya and Lodoyo dams remains open at the moment. However, we may gradually apply stricter restrictions in the future,” Agung said.
He stressed that the dams function primarily as vital water control infrastructure rather than public transportation routes. According to him, officials must prioritize structural safety over traffic convenience.
Agung also rejected public assumptions that PJT I introduced the restrictions to increase revenue from dam access gates. He explained that vehicle access fees contribute only a small amount to the company’s overall income.
The policy follows a directive issued by the Directorate General of Water Resources under Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works. PJT I acts only as the operator responsible for implementing government regulations.
Under the current plan, authorities will ban four-wheeled vehicles from crossing Lahor Dam starting on August 1, 2026. Motorcycles will still receive limited access under a controlled system.
Officials introduced the restrictions because continuous vehicle vibrations could weaken the dam structure. Unlike bridges, many dams in the Brantas River region rely heavily on earth embankment construction.
“If heavy vehicles continue crossing the dam, the vibrations could affect the embankment’s durability. Dam structures are very different from bridges,” Agung explained.
He warned that damage to a dam could create far greater risks than ordinary traffic disruption. Authorities therefore consider preventive protection measures essential for public safety.
PJT I has already implemented similar restrictions at several dams across the Brantas River region. Sutami, Sengguruh, and Wonorejo dams no longer allow public traffic access.
Meanwhile, Lahor, Wlingi, and Lodoyo dams remain under gradual restriction programs. Despite the tighter rules, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, and rescue units can still cross during urgent situations.
Agung also said residents from five villages around Lahor Dam will continue receiving free access. Motorcycle users in the area will use an electronic card system to support daily activities without major disruption.