Indonesia to Distribute 11,000 Water Pumps by 2026 to Combat Drought

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture is proactively addressing the looming threat of drought by preparing to distribute 11,000 water pumps nationwide by 2026. This "pompanization" program is designed to secure water supplies for agricultural land, a critical measure to safeguard national food production.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the need for early action, stating, "We must move before the drought widens. Don't let farmers lose their planting season." This strategy focuses on providing water sources through pumping systems as a primary means to sustain agricultural productivity.

Since 2023, the ministry has already distributed 80,158 water pumps across Indonesia. The 2026 target of 11,000 additional units aims to bolster food production resilience during dry periods. In a specific instance, the ministry, in collaboration with local agricultural offices in Subang Regency, identified areas in Cipunagara District requiring enhanced irrigation. Eight pump units are being prepared for these villages, with implementation starting soon.

Hamid Sangadji, head of the Agricultural Land and Irrigation Management Center for Region I Bandung, confirmed the rapid response to drought warnings in key rice-producing areas. "We are following up on information regarding the impact of this drought by taking swift action with the Subang Regency Agriculture Office and local agricultural extension workers to see the real conditions on the ground," he said. For several villages visited, eight pumping irrigation units will be provided in stages.

The ministry is mapping drought-affected and at-risk regions up to the peak of the dry season in August to ensure timely aid distribution and minimize the risk of crop failure. In Manyingsal Village, where surface water is scarce, geoelectric surveys will precede drilling and irrigation system construction, offering a long-term solution for drought resilience.