Facilitated by APINDO, Businesses Seek Regulatory Certainty Over Groundwater Permits
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Karangasem – Concerns among hotel operators and other business players in Karangasem regarding groundwater (ABT) permits have finally received a concrete response. The Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia (APINDO) organized a talk show titled “Optimizing Groundwater: Challenges and Solutions for the Business Sector,” bringing together representatives from government, academia, and industry practitioners.
The event was officially opened by the Assistant II of the Karangasem Regional Secretariat and served as an open dialogue forum for business actors seeking clearer direction in processing groundwater permits.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, I Gusti Agung Bagus Agung Krisna, said on Thursday (February 26) that groundwater is a vital resource supporting industry, tourism, agriculture, MSMEs, and other related sectors. However, its utilization faces numerous challenges, ranging from limited availability and declining quality and quantity to regulatory complexities and environmental sustainability issues.
“Therefore, APINDO views the need for a discussion forum to provide understanding and practical solutions for business actors,” he said.
According to him, the event reflects the urgency felt by entrepreneurs to comply with licensing requirements, particularly groundwater permits. APINDO aims to help hotel operators, restaurants, and other sectors that rely on groundwater secure clarity regarding procedures and regulations.
He stressed that APINDO seeks to create a constructive dialogue platform between businesses, government, and experts to develop realistic and sustainable solutions. “The balance between economic growth and environmental preservation must be maintained. They cannot operate separately,” he emphasized.
The discussion featured five competent speakers: Secretary of the Bali Provincial Public Works and Spatial Planning Office I Ketut Ariantana; Chairman of Commission I of the Bali Provincial DPRD I Nyoman Budi Utama; Junior Earth Investigator at the Bali Provincial Manpower and Energy and Mineral Resources Office I Kadek Sutika; Acting Head of Operations and Maintenance at the Penida–Bali River Basin Agency Bima Ajnasmoro; and a representative from the Karangasem Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office, I Komang Suarnatha.
Chairman of the Perhimpunan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia (PHRI), I Wayan Kariasa, stated that the talk show was expected to foster balanced dialogue between business interests and government policy. He underscored the importance of clear regulations, fair schemes for entrepreneurs, and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies to safeguard water resource sustainability.
Participants included APINDO members, cross-sector business actors, related government agencies, and MSMEs mentored by APINDO Karangasem. The presence of MSMEs was considered crucial, as water management issues affect not only large enterprises but also small and medium businesses that form the backbone of the regional economy.
“We hope this discussion does not stop at discourse but produces concrete recommendations and best practices for wise, efficient, and responsible groundwater management,” Agung Krisna said.
The event was funded through participant contributions and support from APINDO Karangasem District Board, APINDO Bali Provincial Board, PHRI members, clinics, hospitals, banks, contractors, universities, laundry businesses, donor shops, vendors, sponsors, and the presence of the Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC).
Chairman of APINDO Bali Provincial Board, I Nyoman Oka Antara, reaffirmed that APINDO is ready to serve as a strategic partner to the government in formulating fair, proportional, and sustainable policies. The goal is clear: regional growth, increased local revenue (PAD), greater employment absorption, and preserved environmental sustainability.
Source: Suaradewata.com
