BMKG Issues Warning: Drought Begins to Threaten West Java

West Java faces a growing threat of drought as rainfall diminishes with the onset of the dry season, according to a warning issued by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The agency urges residents to practice water conservation and heighten their awareness of the potential impacts, which include reduced clean water availability and agricultural land drying.

Edi Wibowo, acting head of BMKG Bandung, stated that rainfall in West Java is expected to continue decreasing, particularly between July 16 and 22, 2026. This trend could exacerbate water shortages and increase the risk of forest and land fires due to emerging hot spots. Wibowo advised the public to use water resources wisely and avoid indiscriminate burning of trash or land, while also taking precautions against dust and extreme heat.

Despite entering the dry season, BMKG noted that light to heavy rain may still occur in some parts of West Java, primarily in the late afternoon or early morning. Earlier in June 2026, the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that drought conditions had already affected seven districts and cities, impacting thousands of residents who struggled to access clean water.

In Garut Regency, the village of Linggamukti in Sucinaraja sub-district was affected, with 350 families experiencing water scarcity. Similarly, in Bogor Regency, villages such as Gunungsari, Parakanmuncang, Kalongliud, Karangtengah, Sukajaya, and Harkatjaya reported impacts on 3,092 individuals due to reduced rainfall. BPBD Kabupaten Bogor has conducted assessments and provided 5,000 liters of clean water to affected areas, attributing the drought to extreme weather and decreased rainfall intensity.