14 Regencies in East Java Declare Drought Emergency, BPBD Distributes 1 Million Litres of Clean Water

A total of 14 regencies in East Java have declared a state of drought emergency until mid-July 2026. Of these, 11 are on ‘Siaga Darurat’ (Alert Emergency) status and three areas are on ‘Tanggap Darurat’ (Emergency Response) status. The Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division of the East Java BPBD, Satriyo Nurseno, stated that the regions had reported to the East Java BPBD for handling coordination. The incoming data was then mapped by the East Java BPBD, which determined the drought emergency statuses, including Bondowoso, Lamongan, Banyuwangi, Lumajang, Bangkalan, Blitar, Pasuruan, Trenggalek, Gresik, Malang, Jember, Sampang, Mojokerto, and Situbondo. Among these areas, Lumajang, Mojokerto, and Situbondo have raised their status to Emergency Response, while the other areas remain on Alert status. Steps have been taken to deal with the drought by intensifying the distribution of clean water and mitigation measures to prevent the impact of the drought from spreading. Regarding water distribution efforts, the East Java BPBD and relevant stakeholders have distributed approximately 1,035,000 litres of clean water to affected areas through 207 tanker truck trips, reaching 42 sub-districts, 56 villages, and 73 hamlets. ‘We continue to drop clean water according to needs in the field. We also continue to coordinate with district/city BPBDs so that handling can be carried out more quickly and on target,’ Satrio said when confirmed on Monday (20/7/2026). To face the peak of the dry season, the East Java BPBD has budgeted Rp612 million for an estimated 867 trips of clean water distribution. ‘Then 50 water tank units, 100 folding tanks, and 9,600 tarpaulin sheets have been prepared for logistical readiness,’ he added. Satriyo added that the East Java BPBD is also preparing mitigation measures by holding technical coordination meetings with regional apparatus organisations (OPD) and district/city BPBDs. The East Java BPBD is also ensuring the readiness of fleets and supporting equipment, from water tanker trucks and logistics vehicles to large-capacity water pumps and emergency lighting equipment, to accelerate drought response. ‘This is also to handle the drought as well as anticipate the potential for forest and land fires during the dry season,’ he explained.