Complete Guide to River Diversion Permitting in Indonesia (PUPR Reg. 4/2024)

A River Diversion Permit (or izin pengalihan alur sungai) is an official authorization required from the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) via the Regional River Basin Authority (BBWS/BWS) before diverting natural river channels for dam construction, mining, bridges, or hydropower projects.

Under PUPR Ministerial Regulation No. 4/2024 on River Channel Diversion (replacing PUPR Regulation No. 21/2020), proponents must obtain official technical recommendations proving the new diversion channel provides equal or superior flood conveyance safety.

1. Key Technical Requirements

Before applying for BWS technical recommendations, project developers must prepare:

• Feasibility & Location Maps: Maps of the existing river bed, temporary diversion channel, and permanent new channel.
• Hydrology & Hydraulics Studies: Design flood calculations for 25 to 100-year return periods and water surface profile modeling using HEC-RAS software.
• Diversion Structure Design: Detail Engineering Design (DED) for cofferdams, diversion tunnels, or open channels with slope stability analysis.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL/UKL-UPL): Water quality and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mitigation strategies during river closure.

2. Technical Recommendation Procedure at BWS/BBWS

1. Topographic & Bathymetric Field Surveys: Measuring cross-sections of original and proposed river channels.
2. Technical Report Preparation: Formulated and certified by licensed water resource engineers.
3. BBWS/BWS Panel Presentation: Technical presentation before Ministry experts.
4. Issuance of Technical Recommendation: Formal authorization enabling river closure.

3. PT. WECON Assistance

Managing river diversion permits requires precise hydraulic modeling. PT WECON, a trusted Water Engineering Consultant with over 33 years of experience in Indonesia, provides comprehensive technical assistance and BWS defense.

Learn more at the PT WECON River Diversion Permitting Services Page.