Prolonged Dry Season Shrinks Water Levels at Delingan Reservoir

The Delingan Reservoir in Karanganyar, Central Java, is experiencing a sharp decline in its water levels as the dry season intensifies. The receding water has exposed a significant portion of the reservoir's bed, revealing a landscape altered by the lack of rainfall.

This annual phenomenon is not new to the local community. For generations, residents have practiced 'titen,' a form of local wisdom that involves observing natural changes to predict seasonal shifts. As the reservoir's floor emerges, it transforms into temporary farmland, with villagers planting crops such as beans. This tradition highlights a deep connection to the land and an adaptive strategy to utilize available resources during dry periods.

The current dry spell, characterized by minimal rainfall, has led to a continuous drop in the water surface. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has projected that the peak of the dry season in Central Java will occur between July and September. This forecast underscores the ongoing need for vigilance regarding water reserves in various reservoirs across the region.