Cirebon Regency faces clean water crisis as drought hits several villages

Drought conditions are impacting several villages in Cirebon Regency, Indonesia, leaving residents struggling to access clean water for daily needs. The regional government anticipated this crisis by declaring a state of emergency for drought and wildfires on July 1, 2026. This declaration enables local authorities to strengthen response measures and mitigate the expanding effects of the dry season.

Reports of drought have emerged from three sub-districts: Gegesik, Klangenan, and Sedong. In response, the Cirebon Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has begun distributing clean water to affected areas. To date, aid has reached four locations, including Sibubut village in Gegesik, Slangit in Klangenan, Sampiran in Talun, and Panongan Lor in Sedong. A total of 24,000 liters of clean water has been delivered using tanker trucks, with each trip carrying approximately 4,000 liters.

Based on data from the past three years, five sub-districts are identified as having a high potential for clean water crises: Klangenan, Gegesik, Sedong, Mundu, and Gempol. The BPBD estimates that around 563,000 people in these vulnerable areas could be affected. The local government is concerned that this number may increase if the dry season persists. Beyond immediate water distribution, the Cirebon Regency government is pursuing long-term solutions, coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to propose the construction of 10 new boreholes in drought-prone regions.

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For the reports that have come in so far, they originate from three areas: Gegesik, Klangenan, and Sedong sub-districts.