Lombok Zone – On February 24, 2026, Lalu Pathul Bahri, the Regent of Lombok Tengah, raised concerns regarding the surge in villa constructions on the hills, particularly in Kuta Village, Pujut District. He pointed to these developments as a significant factor contributing to the flooding in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone.
Pathul shared preliminary analyses indicating that sedimentation caused by soil erosion from the hills was a primary cause of the flooding. This erosion has led to excessive water flow, overwhelming local residential areas.
“The sedimentation was indeed a trigger for what happened recently. We promptly mobilized teams equipped with heavy machinery to address the issue,” Pathul stated during a meeting in Praya on February 27, 2026.
The Lombok Tengah government is currently in the process of identifying the owners of the buildings under construction in the Mandalika area. According to Pathul, the majority of these constructions lack the necessary permits from local authorities.
“The land on these hills belongs to the community, and we are unaware of the transactions for its sale. These foreign investors are also neglecting to secure the required permits. That’s why we intend to call them in for discussions,” he added.
Pathul expressed frustration as many property owners have disregarded warning letters issued by the local government. He has tasked the Regent’s Expert Staff with conducting a comprehensive data collection.
Moreover, he acknowledged that the rapid influx of investment in Lombok Tengah has fueled the construction boom, but the government is keen to prevent a situation that could lead to long-term disasters.
The recent flooding has also been exacerbated by six consecutive days of heavy rainfall. According to reports from the Lombok Tengah Government, over 1,500 residents have been affected, with some needing to evacuate.
The local government has deployed personnel as part of a task force to expedite flood response efforts, including clearing fallen timber that has obstructed access for residents.
