The Governor of East Java, Khofithah Indar Parawansa, stated that the\ngovernment is conducting simultaneous measures to address the impact of\na prolonged dry season affecting 24 regencies and cities through Weather\nModification Operations (OMC), well drilling, and clean water\ndistribution.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis prolonged drought was indeed predicted, and the BMKG\n(Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) has issued multiple\nwarnings. However, our efforts have been maximal. I say maximal because\nwe have been conducting Weather Modification Operations since 3\nSeptember,\u201d she said in a statement received in Surabaya on\nSaturday.<\/p>\n
Khofifah noted that drought management was initiated following\npredictions and warnings from the BMKG regarding the dry season\nconditions. According to her, one of the government\u2019s primary efforts\nhas been the OMC since 3 September 2024 to trigger rainfall in areas\nwith potential cloud cover.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever the BMKG informs us that clouds are moving, we immediately\nfollow up by seeding them with salt. This has resulted in light to\nmoderate rainfall,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In addition to the OMC, the East Java Provincial Government,\nalongside local governments, is conducting drilling at various sites to\nlocate new water sources for communities affected by the drought. \u201cThe\naffected area is vast, spanning 24 regencies and cities. Within these 24\nregions, well-drilling anticipatory measures have been implemented. Some\nhave been successful, while others are still in progress,\u201d Khofifah\nadded.<\/p>\n
She further stated that the distribution of clean water continues to\nbe carried out to meet the basic needs of residents in areas facing\nwater scarcity. \u201cOur efforts are being carried out collectively. We have\nimplemented all necessary measures,\u201d she emphasised.<\/p>\n
Khofifah noted that the scale of the affected area requires\nsimultaneous actions, ranging from meeting immediate water needs to\nsearching for new water sources. Beyond emergency handling, the East\nJava Provincial Government is preparing long-term steps to strengthen\nwater resilience through the mapping of potential water sources, the\nsearch for new water supplies, the strengthening of water supply\ninfrastructure, and the protection of existing water sources.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the community needs water, we must provide immediate\nassistance. However, at the same time, we must continue to seek\nlong-term solutions. Potential water sources need to be mapped, studied,\nand, if possible, developed to meet public needs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
According to Khofifah, the diverse geographical conditions and\ncharacteristics of East Java require drought management tailored to each\nspecific region. \u201cWe must not only act when a drought has already\noccurred. We must build preparedness, map water sources, maintain\nexisting ones, and prepare steps so that the community has better water\nresilience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She urged the public to protect the environment, catchment areas, and\nwater sources as part of the effort to strengthen water security in East\nJava. \u201cProtecting water sources today is part of protecting our lives in\nthe future. Therefore, let us work together to preserve the environment,\ncatchment areas, and water sources, and use water wisely,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Amidst these various efforts, Khofifah, alongside the Regent of\nMojokerto, Muhammad Al Barra, and hundreds of residents, participated in\nthe Istisqa prayer and collective prayer at the Mojokerto Regency\nPendopo courtyard on Friday (18\/9). Khofifah stated that this activity\nserves as a spiritual effort following the technical steps taken by the\ngovernment.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/khofifah-strengthens-drought-management-across-24-east-java-regions-1789793971", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }