DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Indonesia Drought Worsens, Authorities Distribute Emergency Water

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Indonesia is experiencing a severe drought due to an extended dry season, causing clean water shortages in areas surrounding Jakarta.
  • Authorities have distributed over 2.2 million liters of emergency water to affected residents, with plans for more aid and long-term infrastructure solutions.
  • The drought emergency alert is in effect until the end of September, and the dry weather has also contributed to an increase in forest and land fires.

An extended dry season is causing severe drought and clean water shortages in areas surrounding Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has distributed 2.2 million liters of emergency water to about 27,000 people, primarily in Bekasi Regency.

We have distributed a total of 2.2 million liters of clean water to help residents affected by the drought.

— Teten Ali Mulku EngkunnyaWest Java BPBD chief Teten Ali Mulku Engkunnya told Tempo on Wednesday, July 29, about the water distribution efforts.

Anticipating the intensification of the dry season due to El Niño, the agency declared a drought emergency alert from July 1 through September 30. "As part of our preparedness efforts, we have distributed 4.3 million liters of clean water to communities," stated West Java BPBD chief Teten Ali Mulku Engkunnya. Water is delivered free of charge via tanker trucks, sourced from natural springs and regional water utility companies.

Across West Java, BPBD data indicates that 207 villages in 95 districts are affected, impacting approximately 214,000 people. Bogor Regency has seen the highest number of affected residents, with over 108,000 people facing water shortages. "Many communities are struggling to access clean water during this prolonged dry spell," Engkunnya added.

As part of our preparedness efforts, we have distributed 4.3 million liters of clean water to communities.

— Teten Ali Mulku EngkunnyaWest Java BPBD chief Teten Ali Mulku Engkunnya discussed preparedness measures for the dry season.

To mitigate future impacts, the BPBD is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and local governments to expand water pipeline infrastructure in vulnerable areas. Recognizing the cost of water transportation due to high fuel prices, the agency views permanent infrastructure as a more sustainable solution. They are also exploring groundwater drilling. The dry season is expected to peak in August, prompting continued mitigation efforts. Companies are encouraged to contribute through corporate social responsibility programs, and weather modification operations remain an option if conditions worsen.

Many communities are struggling to access clean water during this prolonged dry spell.

— Teten Ali Mulku EngkunnyaWest Java BPBD chief Teten Ali Mulku Engkunnya described the impact of the drought on residents.

The prolonged dry weather has also exacerbated forest and land fires, with BPBD recording 58 incidents that burned 61.8 hectares of land across 68 villages.

The dry season is expected to peak in August, so we continue to strengthen drought mitigation efforts.

— Teten Ali Mulku EngkunnyaWest Java BPBD chief Teten Ali Mulku Engkunnya outlined ongoing mitigation strategies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog