Surabaya faces water quality issues and management disputes

Surabaya is facing challenges regarding water quality and management following an incident on September 6, 2026, where significant foam was detected at the Karang Pilang Water Treatment Plant. The issue was linked to suspected pollution in the Surabaya River. In response, PAM Surya Sembada coordinated with Perum Jasa Tirta (PJT) I to flush the system and normalize production.

To prevent future occurrences, PAM Surya Sembada Director Tias Alvin Papatria has requested access to PJT I’s early warning systems to better anticipate raw water quality changes.

Simultaneously, the city has seen social unrest. The Gempar Jatim movement held protests at the DPRD building and PAM Surya Sembada office on September 8, 2026, demanding that the Surabaya City Government and PAM Surya Sembada take full control of water distribution in luxury residential areas. Protesters argued that private management in these areas is discriminatory compared to local villages and raised concerns over the recent water quality fluctuations caused by river pollution.