Mahakam River Water Level Declines, APINDO Kukar: Barge Traffic Remains Unaffected, Clean Water a Concern
Tuesday, 08 September 2026
TENGGARONG, East Kalimantan – The water level of the Mahakam River in Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Regency continues to decline due to the prolonged dry season. So far, however, the condition has not disrupted mining operations or barge traffic transporting coal.
Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) Kutai Kartanegara, Agung Hasanudin, said the declining water level of the Mahakam River had not yet hindered barge movements. Mining product transportation activities have continued as usual.
“Throughout this period, we have never experienced a situation where the river became so shallow that barges could no longer operate. They have continued to move,” Agung said on Thursday (September 3, 2026).
According to Agung, the issue that has increasingly become a concern for the business community is the availability of clean water. If the Mahakam’s water level continues to fall to the point where seawater intrusion occurs, it could affect water sources currently used for various needs.
“The decline in the Mahakam’s water level is actually more of a concern in terms of clean water availability. If seawater eventually enters the river, the local water utility may not be able to operate normally. Our concern is the availability of water,” he said.
As a result, several mining companies have begun preparing alternative water sources to meet their operational needs.
“Some mining companies have mining voids that are permitted to remain open rather than being backfilled. One of their uses is actually as a water source,” he said.
Agung explained that companies are therefore not entirely dependent on the Mahakam River for their water supply.
“Several companies have already implemented this approach, so they no longer rely on the Mahakam River. For companies located farther from the river, their water supply can be supported from these sources,” he said.
Agung said the measure was part of companies’ preparations for a prolonged dry season. Although the declining river level has not yet disrupted barge traffic, water availability remains an important factor in maintaining business continuity.
He expressed hope that the dry season would end soon and that the Mahakam River’s water level would return to normal. This would help ensure that, alongside the continued transportation of coal, water resources remain available for both communities and the business sector.
Source: Akupedia.id
