Lahor Dam Road Closure Sparks Safety Debate in East Java

Indonesia’s House of Representatives hosted an audience on August 5, 2026 where Golkar faction leader M. Sarmuji and Commission V member Hamka B. Kady met with Perum Jasa Tirta I director Fahmi Hidayat. The discussion focused on the recent closure of the road over the Lahor Dam, a vital national infrastructure linking Malang and Blitar, which was imposed on August 1 as a safety measure after cracks were found in the dam’s structure.

Sarmuji conveyed residents’ concerns that the shutdown hampers traffic and local economies, urging a limited‑time reopening while emphasizing that safety cannot be compromised. Hidayat explained that the dam, built in the 1970s, is undergoing a review for operational renewal and that vehicle traffic interferes with monitoring equipment. The parties agreed to explore alternatives to mitigate community impact while maintaining dam security.