Children Find Joy in Shrinking Situ Ciburuy During Dry Season

The dry season has caused the water level of Situ Ciburuy in West Bandung Regency, West Java, to recede significantly, creating a unique playground for local children. The reservoir, originally constructed during the Dutch colonial period, now offers a vast expanse of dry land where youngsters gather to play and fish.

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Yes, it's shallow now, maybe up to here (neck), so I dare to swim.

Laughter fills the air as children engage in various activities, from building small mud pools and playing with rafts to swimming in the shallow waters. For them, the shrinking reservoir, which now only retains about 1 to 2 meters of water, is a source of free entertainment, especially during school holidays and on warm afternoons.

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If it's a holiday, I play here in the morning too.

Muhammad Faturahman, a 13-year-old, shared his enjoyment, stating, "I play here every day after school. If it's a holiday, I play here in the morning too." He added that the water is shallow enough for them to swim safely, reaching only their necks in some areas. The children also try their luck at catching small fish like "boboso," "gabus," "nila," and even "lobster" to take home for meals.

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We often catch small fish too to eat at home. Small fish, snakehead, tilapia, and lobster.

Firmansyah, the village head of Ciburuy, confirmed that the water recedes significantly during prolonged dry seasons. He noted that in severe cases, it becomes possible to walk to the island in the middle of the reservoir, with water only remaining in the front areas.

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Yes, it's like this during the dry season. Usually, in the worst case, you can walk to the island, with only water left in the front area.