Indonesia Faces Peak Drought, PJT II Manages Water Supply for Agriculture

Indonesia is navigating the challenges of the peak 2026 dry season, with Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJT II) taking a central role in managing water resources. The company, along with other agencies, is implementing strategic water distribution to balance the needs of agriculture with those of the general population.

To cope with dwindling water availability, PJT II is employing a "gilir-giring" or rotational system for irrigation. This method involves carefully considering planting patterns, current water reserves, and the specific needs of each region. In critical areas like Jatigede and Rentang, PJT II is collaborating with the Cimanuk Cisanggarung River Basin Center (BBWS) to optimize water management and maintain irrigation services despite supply limitations.

Imam Santoso, the President Director of PJT II, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation during the dry season. He stated that with limited water resources, distribution must be precise to maximize benefits for the community, particularly for farming and raw water needs. "In conditions like the current drought, we need to work together, share information, and take the most appropriate steps based on the situation on the ground. PJT II is committed to ensuring that the available water provides the greatest benefit to the community, especially for agriculture and raw water," Imam said.

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In conditions like the current drought, we need to work together, share information, and take the most appropriate steps based on the situation on the ground. PJT II is committed to ensuring that the available water provides the greatest benefit to the community, especially for agriculture and raw water.

Anton Mardiyono, PJT II's Director of Operations and Maintenance, highlighted that distribution management goes beyond just the quantity of water. It's about ensuring water reaches those who need it most. "When water availability is limited, we not only guard the amount of water but also how it reaches the users who need it. Distribution is managed dynamically based on actual field conditions, so agricultural needs can be met as optimally as possible," Anton explained.

Beyond distribution, PJT II is actively involved in maintaining and reinforcing water infrastructure to prevent disruptions. The company is also extending its drought mitigation efforts to address community water needs. In Banten, PJT II's Corporate Social Responsibility program provided water trucks to the Cidanau-Ciujung-Cidurian BBWS and partnered with the Indonesian Red Cross to assist drought-affected residents. In Lampung, PJT II, alongside BBWS Mesuji-Sekampung and PT PLN Nusantara Power, is monitoring key dams like Batutegi, Way Sekampung, and Margatiga to inform downstream water management strategies. Imam acknowledged that drought impacts vary regionally, necessitating tailored responses.

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When water availability is limited, we not only guard the amount of water but also how it reaches the users who need it. Distribution is managed dynamically based on actual field conditions, so agricultural needs can be met as optimally as possible.